The IPL retention debate heated up during a meeting between franchise owners and BCCI officials on July 31. Despite other key topics like the impact rule and salary caps being on the agenda, it was the retention issue that sparked the most controversy.

According to Cricbuzz, many franchises oppose the mega auction format, which limits the number of players teams can retain. Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan is among those who disagree with the mega auction approach.

He had a heated exchange with Ness Wadia, co-owner of the Punjab Kings, who supports the mega auction and argues that fewer retentions are needed. At one point, SRK and Wadia went toe-to-toe, engaging in a heated verbal fight over the rule.

Ness Wadia, who was previously in a high-profile relationship with actress Preity Zinta from 2005 to 2009, was involved in a legal dispute with her in 2014 after she accused him of assault at an IPL match. Preity Zinta still remains the co-owner of Punjab Kings.

Shah Rukh Khan’s team KKR won the IPL trophy this year and it is obvious that he wants to retain most of the players whereas Punjab Kings was a disaster this year and hence Wadia is pushing for a mega auction of players.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to keep or eliminate the mega auction format rests with the BCCI. If they opt against it, the IPL may shift to mini auctions every year instead of holding a mega auction every three years.