In the last two editions - 2018 and 19 - the IPL gradually introduced the in-season player loan scheme. In 2018 a 5-day window was open mid-season where only uncapped players could be loaned. A year later the IPL allowed franchises to borrow capped players. This season the IPL has tweaked slightly the some of the clauses pertaining to player loans. The following FAQs explain what those are and the what the loan system entails.
What is the player loan system?
The IPL allows franchises to loan/borrow a player(s) for a limited period during the season. The player, once loaned, stays with the borrowed team for the remainder of the season.
Is the window active this IPL?
Yes. The window came into effect the day after Match 20 (October 7) and will be active until November 4.
Has any loan taken place in 2020 IPL?
Not yet. And it is likely to stay that way. With injuries and niggles constant this season due to the pandemic which robbed players of training opportunities during lockdown, teams are loathe to expend resources. But, more importantly, teams remain insecure about lending a player to rival franchise because they want to keep their gameplans and strategy watertight.
Can any player be loaned?
No. Only a player who has featured in up to two matches (either in the playing XI or as concussion substitute) is eligible to be loaned. A player can be loaned just once during a single season. Also IPL playing conditions state that the loaned player "may not" play against the franchise that has lent him.
Can the player object?
The player must consent to be loaned.
Who pays the player during loan period?
The amount at which the player was bought at an auction will be paid by his original franchise that bought him. The franchise that has borrowed him will pay him the match fee on a pro-rata basis.
Is there any other financial transaction?
The franchise that borrows the player would need to settle mutually a "loan fee" with the lending franchise as part of the transaction. As per the rules the loan fee is not "subject to" to the IPL salary cap.
Is there a cap on how many players can be loaned?
The IPL recommends only two players should be borrowed by a franchise in a single season. The rules also say that a franchise can loan "no more than three" players to the same rival franchise in a single season.