IPL 2025: KKR complains of 'inconsistency' as BCCI tweaks rules to tackle rain threat

The early onset of monsoon in India has threatened BCCI to further hinder the season which has already seen a suspension. In an effort to prevent rain from disrupting the final nine league matches of the ongoing IPL 2025 season, the tournament’s Governing Council has amended the playing conditions to allow an additional 120 minutes per game. Previously, matches in the league stage were granted an extra hour beyond their scheduled finish time, while playoff games had a two-hour buffer.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore questions BCCI as the board remains intent on defying rain threat in IPL 2025

This mid-season adjustment has not gone down well with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The defending champions have voiced their disapproval to the BCCI, suggesting that had this rule been implemented earlier, their playoff hopes might still be alive. The update was communicated to all 10 franchises via email by IPL COO Hemang Amin, who clarified that the decision was prompted by the risk of rain, which has increased with the early arrival of the monsoon.

In response, KKR CEO Venky Mysore criticized the timing of the rule change, questioning why it wasn’t enforced at least from May 17, when the season resumed after the break. Significantly, KKR’s clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru marked the restart of IPL 2025, but the match in Bengaluru was completely washed out without a ball being bowled. That no-result ultimately knocked KKR out of playoff contention.

"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," Mysore wrote. "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," Mysore said, adding, "I am sure you also understand why we feel aggrieved."

It appears KKR may not be the only franchise unhappy with the decision. According to the report, several teams have echoed similar concerns, arguing that introducing such changes mid-tournament could create a problematic precedent. While KKR saw two matches abandoned in IPL 2025, RCB has faced the same. However, as RCB now sits in the playoffs, the franchise is likely the least bothered about the modifications. Meanwhile, with the forecast in Mumbai threatening the MI vs DC IPL 2025 match, a high-stakes group stage fixture, the revised rule could determine the final contender for the playoffs despite the looming cloud cover.