"Expected More Consistency": KKR CEO Slams IPL for Mid-Season Rain Rule Change

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore has expressed strong disapproval of the IPL’s mid-season rule change allowing 60 additional minutes to complete rain-affected matches.

 

In an email to IPL COO Hemang Amin, Mysore raised concerns over the timing and consistency of the amendment, pointing out that KKR's crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 17 may not have been washed out had the rule been in place earlier.

 

The change in playing conditions came into effect after the BCCI’s Governing Council meeting on Tuesday, where clause 13.7.3 was updated to reflect the extension. 

 

According to , KKR are not the only franchise unhappy with the decision, at least one other team has also recorded their displeasure, and several others believe the move sets a poor precedent.

 

"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 criticised the timing of the change, saying that the additional time might have allowed for a shortened contest when rain washed out their game against RCB, which ultimately knocked them out of 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)."

 

"We feel aggrieved": KKR not alone in questioning IPL's decision

 

With just one match left in their league campaign, KKR sit in sixth place with 12 points from 13 matches. The maximum they can now reach is 14 points. Importantly, two of their games this season have been washed out due to rain.

 

Also READ:

 

Mysore did not hold back while calling out what he labelled as inconsistent and ad hoc 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."

 

also reported that other teams shared similar frustrations, though not all chose to go on record. The general feeling across camps is that rule changes in the middle of the season, especially when they directly impact playoff qualifications, could damage the credibility of the tournament.

 

 

Under the revised rules, a match scheduled for 7:30 PM can now start as late as 9:30 PM without losing overs. Previously, the cut-off was 8:30 PM. The new rule, introduced with immediate effect, allows a five-over match to begin as late as 11:56 PM. Eight league games remain in IPL 2025.