Each IPL team can keep three players from their current squad.

These players are like the team’s core members.

During the auction, teams have a special card called the Right to Match (RTM) card.

With this card, they can “match” the highest bid for one more player they want to retain.

So, the total combination is 3 retained players + 1 RTM card, which gives us the 3+1 rule.

This rule helps teams balance between keeping their star players and adding fresh talent to their squad.

This rule strikes a balance between maintaining a core group and allowing fresh talent infusion through the auction.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still considering whether to stick with the 3+1 rule for IPL 2025.