'Expected consistency in rule changes' - KKR chief executive Venky Mysore questions new rain regulation

Defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore has expressed disappointment over a mid-season rule change that he believes directly impacted his team’s IPL 2025 playoff chances. The Knight Riders were knocked out of the tournament after their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was washed out due to rain on May 17, a day when new rain provisions were not yet in effect.

Following a brief suspension of the IPL due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the tournament resumed on May 17 with the clash between RCB and KKR in Bengaluru. However, constant rain led to no ball being bowled, and both teams were awarded one point each.

Just days after the washout, the IPL Governing Council introduced a rule change on May 20, adding an extra hour of buffer time, taking the total to 120 minutes, for all remaining league games and the playoffs. This change was introduced with immediate effect to ensure more matches could be completed due to the potential monsoon rains.

According to the revised rules, a 7:30 PM match could now start as late as 9:30 PM without overs being deducted, potentially allowing even a five-over contest to begin close to midnight. KKR chief Venky Mysore wrote an email to IPL COO Hemang Amin mentioning his concerns.

"While these mid-season changes to the rules may be necessary under the circumstances, one would have expected more consistency in the way such changes are being applied," he wrote.

The washout ended KKR's chances of making the playoffs: Venky Mysore

Earlier, IPL rules allowed only 60 minutes of extra time to accommodate weather delays. As the drizzle never looked to stop on May 17 at Chinnaswamy stadium, the match was called off at 10:26 PM, 30 minutes before the cut-off time, quashing KKR’s playoff chances. The no result left the side holding the sixth place with 12 points from 13 games, and a maximum of 14 points achievable, not enough to stay in contention.

He pointed out that weather forecasts had predicted rain in Bengaluru on May 17, and had the 120-minute rule been in place then, there might have been a chance to play a short game, which could have kept KKR in the playoff race.

"When the IPL re-started (on May 17), it was clear that the first game on May 17 KKR vs RCB was at high risk of being interrupted due to rain in B'lore. The forecast was there for all to see. Not only was the game washed out, but the additional 120 minutes now being applied may have provided a chance of at least a 5-over-a-side game (sic). The washout ended KKR's chances of making the playoffs. Such ad hoc decisions and inconsistencies of applying them are not appropriate for a tournament of this standing. I am sure you also understand why we feel aggrieved," Mysore added.