KKR CEO Criticizes IPL's Mid-Season Rule Change on Rain Delays
KKR's Concerns Over New IPL Rule
Venky Mysore, the CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has voiced his strong objections regarding the Indian Premier League's (IPL) recent mid-season rule adjustment that permits an additional hour for completing rain-affected matches.
In a communication directed to IPL COO Hemang Amin, Mysore highlighted the inconsistency and timing of this amendment, suggesting that KKR's pivotal match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 17 could have been salvaged had this rule been implemented sooner.
This alteration in playing conditions was established following a meeting of the BCCI's Governing Council on Tuesday, which updated clause 13.7.3 to incorporate the new extension.
Reports indicate that KKR is not alone in its dissatisfaction; at least one other franchise has expressed similar concerns, with several teams believing that this change sets a troubling precedent.
Mysore's Critique of the Rule Change
"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 in his email.
He further criticized the timing of the rule change, arguing that the extra time could have facilitated a shortened match when rain disrupted their game against RCB, which ultimately eliminated them from playoff contention.
"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)."
KKR's Position in the League
As KKR approaches the end of their league matches, they currently hold the sixth position with 12 points from 13 games, with a maximum potential of 14 points. Notably, two of their matches this season have been canceled due to rain.
Mysore did not shy away from expressing his views on what he perceives as inconsistent and arbitrary decision-making.
"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."
Other teams have reportedly shared similar frustrations, although not all have chosen to make their opinions public. The prevailing sentiment is that mid-season rule changes, particularly those affecting playoff eligibility, could undermine the tournament's integrity.
New Rules for Match Timings
Under the newly revised regulations, a match originally scheduled for 7:30 PM can now commence as late as 9:30 PM without losing overs, a change from the previous cut-off of 8:30 PM. This new rule, effective immediately, allows for a five-over match to start as late as 11:56 PM. There are still eight league games remaining in IPL 2025.