Player Retention & Right to Match (RTM)
Reward team loyalty with IPL-style retention and Right to Match. Optional — skip for first-time auctions.
Retention & RTM for Returning Leagues
This step is optional — if this is your first auction, skip to Step 7. For returning leagues, CricSmart supports IPL-style player retention and Right to Match (RTM), the same mechanics that make the IPL mega auction so dramatic.
Player Retention
Before the auction, you can mark players as retained from the previous season. Retained players are locked to their previous team and don't go through the auction. Their previous salary is deducted from the team's purse. This rewards teams that invested in developing players and provides continuity between seasons.
Right to Match (RTM)
RTM is where the drama happens. During the live auction, when a team wins the bid for an RTM-eligible player (a player who was on their squad last season but wasn't retained), the previous team gets a 30-second countdown to match the winning bid and keep the player.
Here's how it plays out:
- Team A wins the bid for Player X at ₹40 lakhs
- Player X was on Team B last season (RTM-eligible)
- Team B gets a 30-second countdown — everyone sees the timer
- If Team B matches: Player X stays with Team B at ₹40L
- If Team B declines: Player X goes to Team A
This creates IPL-level drama — the countdown, the suspense, the crowd reaction. It also rewards team loyalty and gives previous teams a chance to keep their core players even if they couldn't retain them outright.
Configurable RTM Slots
You can set RTM slots per team — e.g., 2 RTM uses per team. Once a team uses their RTM slots, they can't match anymore. This prevents teams from hoarding all their previous players and keeps the auction competitive.
RTM Badge on Player Cards
During the live auction, RTM-eligible players show a badge with the previous team's logo on their player card. This lets all teams know that RTM is possible before they start bidding, adding strategic awareness.
Setting Up Retention & RTM
Mark Retained Players
For each returning team, mark players they want to retain. Retained players are locked and their salary is deducted from the purse.
Set RTM Slots Per Team
Configure how many RTM uses each team gets (e.g., 2 per team). Once used, no more RTM matches.
Assign Previous Teams
For non-retained players, assign their previous team. These become RTM-eligible during the live auction.
RTM Triggers During Live Auction
When a team wins a bid on an RTM-eligible player, the previous team gets a 30-second countdown to match.
Retention & RTM Features
Retained Player Marking
Lock players to their previous team. Salary is deducted from the team's purse automatically.
Configurable RTM Slots
Set how many RTM uses each team gets. Prevents hoarding and keeps the auction competitive.
Real-Time RTM Countdown
30-second countdown timer visible to all participants when RTM is triggered. Maximum drama.
RTM Badge on Cards
Previous team logo badge on RTM-eligible player cards. Teams know RTM is possible before bidding.
RTM adds IPL-level drama. Use it for returning leagues to reward team loyalty and create memorable auction moments. The 30-second countdown is a crowd favorite.
Retention and RTM configured. Next: set up dynamic pricing and bid increments.