KKN Gurugram Desk | In a surprising turn of events in IPL 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a major change in the playing conditions during the final phase of the season. This modification grants an additional 60 minutes to complete a match, leading to a significant controversy, particularly with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The team, which is now out of the playoff race, has expressed its dissatisfaction over the rule change and the impact it had on their performance in crucial matches.

The rule modification has sparked outrage not only from KKR but also from other franchises, as it came late in the season when teams had already made their strategies and schedules. The controversy revolves around the fact that this new timing rule could have had a direct impact on match outcomes, especially when weather disruptions like rain affect the schedule.

Why KKR is Unhappy with the New IPL Rule Change

On May 20, 2025, the IPL Governing Council introduced a new rule allowing an additional hour (60 minutes) for every match post-May 20, following the conclusion of 62 out of 70 league matches. The decision was made in response to the numerous disruptions caused by rain, especially in the last few rounds of the tournament.

However, KKR has expressed strong displeasure with this change, as it directly affected their chances of advancing to the IPL 2025 playoffs. The Kolkata Knight Riders, after 13 matches, had accumulated 12 points, which left them mathematically unable to make the playoffs after the May 17 rain-affected match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). KKR’s management believes that if the rule had been implemented earlier, they might have had a chance to complete at least five overs during their rain-affected game, giving them a fairer shot at securing more points.

KKR’s Official Complaint to BCCI

In their official communication, KKR sent an email to the BCCI, expressing their frustration over the timing rule change. KKR CEO Venky Mysore wrote to Hemang Amin, IPL’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighting the lack of uniformity in the application of the new rules:

“If these changes were necessary during the middle of the season, we expect more consistency in their implementation. The timing adjustment was made far too late in the tournament, and this inconsistency has affected our campaign.”

KKR’s management pointed out that the May 17 match against RCB was a clear example of how weather conditions were a significant issue. Given the rain forecast, KKR’s match in Bengaluru was heavily impacted. The additional 60 minutes rule could have helped them finish at least five overs, but they ended up losing out on crucial points due to the rain.

How the New Rule Affected KKR’s Playoff Chances

KKR’s discontent with the new rule change stems from the fact that the match against RCB on May 17 was rained out, eliminating their chance of securing enough points to enter the playoffs. Had the match been completed—perhaps with a reduced number of overs—they might have had a better chance of staying in the competition.

According to Venky Mysore, the CEO of KKR, this change in playing conditions came at the worst possible time:

“When the IPL resumed on May 17, it was clear that the match between KKR and RCB had a high chance of being affected by rain. The forecasts were available to everyone, but we lost out on the chance to complete at least five overs, which could have helped us earn vital points in the tournament.”

This setback meant that KKR could only gather a maximum of 14 points from their remaining matches, which was insufficient for a playoff spot in the competitive IPL 2025.

The IPL 2025 Rule Change: What Is the 60-Minute Extension?

The IPL 2025 governing body’s decision to allow a 60-minute extension was aimed at addressing match disruptions caused by weather, specifically rain. The new rule allows the match scheduled for 7:30 PM IST to be extended until 9:30 PM, with no overs being deducted unless absolutely necessary.

This change came into effect when only 62 out of 70 league matches had been completed, and teams were struggling with weather-related interruptions. The additional time was meant to provide extra space to finish games that had been delayed by rain showers, thus giving teams an opportunity to complete as many overs as possible before being forced to abandon the match.

Other Teams Voice Concerns Over Rule Changes

While KKR is the most vocal critic of this change, they are not alone in expressing concern. Other IPL teams have also raised questions about the late introduction of the extra hour rule, especially given that it alters the dynamics of the tournament in its final stages. Teams had already set their tactics and strategies for the playoffs, and introducing a rule change with just a few matches left has led to widespread dissatisfaction.

Some critics argue that such rule modifications should have been implemented earlier in the season rather than at the conclusion of the league phase, where teams have already invested significant effort and resources into their campaigns.

The Impact of Weather on IPL 2025 and Future Tournaments

The rain-impacted matches of IPL 2025 have highlighted the vulnerability of the tournament’s schedule to weather disruptions. Given that several matches were affected by rain, there have been calls to introduce more flexible scheduling for future editions of the IPL, including the possibility of reserve days for certain high-stakes matches.

Experts have suggested that the BCCI consider measures like:

• Introducing better rain contingency plans

• Implementing flexible time slots for matches that get delayed

• Exploring the option of reserve days for key matches, particularly during the playoff stage

The IPL is one of the most-watched cricket leagues in the world, and ensuring that all matches are completed fairly and on time is essential to maintaining the integrity and global appeal of the tournament.

The rule change controversy in IPL 2025 has sparked a debate on the consistency of rules applied mid-season, with Kolkata Knight Riders expressing legitimate concerns about how the adjustments have affected their chances of making the playoffs. The team’s complaints are not just about a single match but about the lack of uniformity in the decision-making process, especially when it comes to weather-affected games.

As the tournament moves into its final phase, it is crucial that the BCCI and IPL governing bodies consider fairer implementations of rules to ensure that every team has an equal chance of success, especially in critical situations. Teams should be assured that the rules governing the competition will be applied consistently to ensure a level playing field for everyone.

The Kolkata Knight Riders’ frustration is a reminder that the IPL, as a premier global sports tournament, needs to maintain its integrity and ensure that the changes made to the rules do not disproportionately affect any team’s performance or future prospects.