IPL franchises keen for ‘right to match’ card

While the settled franchises will be hoping to protect their set line-up, the focus will be on the two comeback sides — Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings — at a governing council meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday.

While sources indicate that Chennai Super Kings look all certain to get back coach Stephen Fleming, efforts will also be taken to get back Mahendra Singh Dhoni on board.

Last season, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises rued missing out on the ‘right to match’ card during the auctions. And that’s something they would want to get back when the action returns next year.

On the eve of the important meeting between the franchises and the IPL governing council in Mumbai, most of the franchises

Sportstar spoke to, indicated that they will be pressing for introducing the ‘right to match’ card rather than player retention.

IPL: Player retention, auction fees on meeting agenda

“I don’t know what the governing council would say, but we will propose for the introduction of the right to match,” said Delhi Daredevils CEO, Hemant Dua.

While the settled franchises will be hoping to protect their set line-up, the focus will be on the two comeback sides — Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. While they would be looking to get a clarity on the entire playing acquiring process, the Rajasthan Royals is also likely to propose a shift of venue from Jaipur to Pune or Guwahati.

But then, that would just be in the stage of proposals. “All we want is a level playing field,” is how a top Rajasthan Royals official reacted on being asked about their strategy.

While sources indicate that Chennai Super Kings look all certain to get back coach Stephen Fleming, efforts will also be taken to get back Mahendra Singh Dhoni on board. However, the Super Kings management remained quiet on the issue.

With two teams returning after two years, and others gearing up to get the ‘right to match’ in place, the meeting is set to turn interesting.