The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been criticized after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amended match conditions mid-season, allowing an additional 60 minutes of extra time due to rain disruptions. While the move aims to save rain-affected matches, it hasn’t sat well with some franchises, particularly Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who feel the timing of the change is inconsistent and unfair.
Mid-Season Rule Amendment Sparks Frustration
The controversy began after the BCCI announced that the buffer time for rain-affected matches would be increased by an hour. This would give matches scheduled at 7:30 PM the flexibility to begin as late as 9:30 PM without overs being reduced. The revised regulation, underplaying condition 13.7.3, was enforced immediately following a Governing Council meeting.
This abrupt change has prompted concern among teams, especially KKR. Their CEO, Venky Mysore, formally addressed the issue in an email to IPL COO Hemang Amin. Mysore expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of consistency in implementing rule changes, citing the KKR vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match on May 17, which was abandoned due to rain.
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KKR’s Missed Opportunity
According to Mysore, had the extended time rule been implemented earlier, the rain-affected game could potentially have seen a five-over contest, preserving KKR’s playoff hopes. The washout led to their exit from the tournament race, a loss Mysore attributes partly to the timing of the BCCI’s decision.
“The forecast was there for all to see. The additional 120 minutes now being applied may have provided a chance of at least a 5-over-a-side game,” Mysore stated.
KKR has had two matches washed out this season. With only 12 points from 13 games, their maximum attainable points are now capped at 14, insufficient for a secure playoff berth.
Other Franchises Share Similar Concerns
Sources indicate that KKR isn’t alone in its criticism. Multiple teams reportedly questioned the mid-tournament alteration, worrying that such decisions could set a concerning precedent for future IPL seasons. The core concern revolves around fairness and transparency in decision-making processes.
Updated Playing Conditions: What’s New?
Here’s what the new rule entails:
- Extended Buffer Time: Matches now have an additional 60 minutes to start after rain delays.
- New Start Cut-off: For a 7:30 PM match, the latest possible start is now 9:30 PM.
- Five-Over Game Deadline: The cutoff now allows a five-over game to start around midnight if necessary.
Previously, games needed to start by 8:30 PM to avoid overs being cut, meaning many matches couldn’t be salvaged under poor weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did BCCI extend the buffer time mid-season?
BCCI extended the buffer time to accommodate several rain-threatened matches towards the end of the league phase, aiming to preserve as many fixtures as possible.
Which team raised the issue with the BCCI?
Kolkata Knight Riders officially voiced their concerns via email, questioning the fairness and timing of the mid-season change.
How does the new rule affect match timings?
It allows a match scheduled at 7:30 PM to begin as late as 9:30 PM without any reduction in overs, effectively pushing the latest cut-off for a minimum five-over match to midnight.
How many matches are left in the IPL 2025 league stage?
At the time of the rule change, eight league matches were remaining out of the 70 scheduled.
Conclusion
The mid-season rule change by BCCI, though intended to protect the integrity of fixtures from rain disruptions, has ignited debate about fairness and consistency in the IPL. With playoff races often hinging on narrow margins, the timing of such decisions can heavily impact team fortunes. KKR’s strong objection highlights the need for more structured and transparent policymaking in high-stakes tournaments like the IPL, where every ball—and every rule—matters.
