India, Nov. 16 -- Ravindra Jadeja has just done something rare in IPL economics. He has walked away from an INR 18 cr fee at Chennai Super Kings and signed for Rajasthan Royals at INR 14 cr, taking a straight INR 4 cr cut on his league fee. The obvious question is why the number dropped and how the money actually moves.

First, the basic facts. Before this trade cycle, Jadeja was CSK's top retention at INR 18 cr. However, he is taking a pay cut of INR 4 cr to join the Royals ahead of the next season. Sanju Samson, meanwhile, joins CSK at his existing INR 18 cr bracket.

The key to decoding the drop is IPL Player Regulations Rule 59.1. Under this clause, when two franchises agree to reduce a traded player's league fee, the difference betwe...