KKR Voices Concern Over Mid-Season Rule Change Allowing Additional Time for Rain-Affected Matches

In the wake of a crucial rule change by the IPL Governing Council, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have formally expressed dissatisfaction regarding the decision to extend the permissible window for rain delays by an additional 120 minutes for the remainder of the season.

The new directive, introduced amidst weather disruptions caused by the early onset of the monsoon and a one-week suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict, aims to maximize the likelihood of completing the final 12 matches of the tournament. However, the retrospective application—or lack thereof—of this policy has sparked criticism.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore, in an internal communication reviewed by ESPNcricinfo, raised concerns about the timing and consistency 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 stated in his email.

The controversy centers on the rain-affected fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17—the first game following the tournament’s resumption. The match was abandoned without a toss at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with both teams splitting points. The result, crucially, eliminated KKR from playoff contention on mathematical grounds.

“With the rain delaying the toss, the match was finally called off at 10:30 PM IST, just 26 minutes before the regulation cut-off time,” noted Mysore, who argued that the newly instituted rule could have enabled a shortened contest.

“When the IPL re-started, it was clear that the first game on May 17 KKR vs RCB was at high risk of being interrupted due to rain in [Bengaluru],” he wrote. “The forecast was there for all to see. Not only was the game washed out but the additional 120 mins, now being applied, may have provided a chance of at least a 5-over-a-side game.”

Mysore emphasized that the consequences of the rainout were substantial, not just in terms of competition but also in terms of fairness and governance. “The wash-out ended KKR’s chances of making the playoffs. Such ad hoc decision and inconsistencies of applying them are not appropriate for a tournament of this standing. I am sure you also understand why we feel aggrieved,” he concluded.

As the tournament progresses under the revised guidelines, KKR’s concerns underscore the broader challenges of managing mid-season adjustments in a high-stakes, weather-affected sporting event of global repute.