KKR Lodges Complaint With BCCI Over Last-Minute Rule Change In IPL: Report

On May 20, BCCI not only revealed the venues for the playoff matches but also announced a big change in the playing conditions.

KKR's match against RCB on May 17 in Bengaluru was washed out, costing them a shot at the playoffs.

Source : PTI

The race to the IPL 2025 playoffs is in its final stretch. While three teams have already secured their spots, the fourth and final playoff berth remains up for grabs between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. However, a last-minute rule change by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stirred controversy - particularly upsetting the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

BCCI extends rain buffer time

On May 20, BCCI not only revealed the venues for the playoff matches but also announced a big change in the playing conditions. The board extended the time allowance for rain-affected matches from 60 minutes to 120 minutes. This decision was made in light of several matches being abandoned due to rain this season.

KKR raises objection

The timing of the change hasn't gone down well with KKR. Their match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 17 in Bengaluru was washed out, costing them a shot at the playoffs. The shared point from the abandoned match helped RCB qualify, while KKR was eliminated.

KKR believes the new rain rule - had it been implemented earlier - could have allowed the match to resume and potentially changed the outcome. The franchise has formally written to the IPL CEO, expressing its displeasure over what it calls an unfair and untimely alteration to the rules.

“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,” Venky Mysore, the CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders, said in an email to Hemang Amin, the COO of the IPL, Cricbuzz reported.

"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 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,” he wrote.

“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,” the KKR CEO added.