Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have voiced strong criticism against the IPL Governing Council and BCCI for implementing a crucial rule change mid-season, which they believe ended their chances of qualifying for the IPL 2025 playoffs. The controversy stems from a recent update that allows 120 minutes of extra time for rain-affected league games—introduced only for the final nine matches of the league stage.
“Inconsistent and Ad Hoc”: KKR CEO Questions Timing of Rule
KKR CEO Venky Mysore sent an email to the IPL office, questioning why this rain buffer rule wasn’t applied from the moment the tournament resumed after the pause due to India-Pakistan tensions.
“Such ad hoc decisions and inconsistencies are not appropriate for a tournament of this standing,” Mysore wrote, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Mysore pointed specifically to KKR’s match against RCB on May 17, which was washed out due to rain in Bengaluru. The match was abandoned at 10:26 PM, just before the previous cut-off time of 10:56 PM, and both teams had to settle for one point.
Under the new rule, which provides an additional two-hour buffer, Mysore argued that the game could have resumed as a 5-over-per-side match, potentially keeping KKR’s playoff hopes alive.
IPL Defends Change Due to Monsoon Threat
IPL COO Hemang Amin had announced the rule change in an email to all franchises, citing the increased monsoon threat as the reason for expanding the rain buffer from 60 to 120 minutes for league games. Previously, only playoff matches had the extended buffer.
While acknowledging the weather risk, Mysore emphasized that weather forecasts had already warned of rain during KKR vs RCB, and yet the rule wasn’t applied retroactively.
“When the IPL restarted, rain risk for the May 17 game was known. The washout ended our playoff chances. We feel aggrieved,” he added.
Playoff Race Tightens, But KKR Left Behind
KKR’s frustration reflects the tight playoff race in IPL 2025, where even a single point can determine qualification. With the new rain rule benefiting remaining teams, KKR’s early elimination raises questions of fairness and consistency in how regulations are enforced during the tournament.
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