BCCI Introduces Crucial Rule Change Ahead of IPL 2025 Playoffs: All You Need to Know
Just as the league stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 draws to a thrilling close, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant rule alteration, particularly impactful for the upcoming playoffs. This change, primarily aimed at mitigating the impact of adverse weather conditions, has garnered attention, especially with one franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), voicing their concerns.
The Key Rule Change: Extended Extra Time for Matches
The most prominent change introduced by the BCCI is the extension of extra time allocated to complete rain-affected matches from 60 minutes to 120 minutes (two hours). This revised playing condition will now apply to all remaining league stage matches, mirroring the existing provision for playoff games.
Previously, only playoff matches enjoyed the benefit of a two-hour buffer in case of rain interruptions. The BCCI’s decision to extend this to league games comes after several matches in the current season were either truncated or abandoned due to inclement weather, particularly with the monsoon season approaching in parts of India.
What this means for the matches:
- A match scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST can now commence as late as 9:30 PM IST without any overs being reduced.
- This extended buffer time significantly increases the chances of a full 20-over game, or at least a five-over-per-side contest, even with rain delays.
Rationale Behind the Change: Weather Woes and Fair Play
The BCCI’s move is a direct response to the unpredictable weather patterns experienced during the IPL 2025 season. With multiple matches being washed out or curtailed, the board aims to ensure a fairer competition and maximize the opportunity for full games to be played, especially in the crucial final stages of the tournament. The decision was made by the IPL Governing Council after considering weather conditions and other relevant parameters.
This rule change also coincides with some adjustments in the playoff venues. Mullanpur will host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator on May 29 and 30 respectively, while Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is set to stage Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the grand Final on June 3. This relocation of venues also took into account the prevailing weather forecasts.
KKR’s Discontent: A Question of Timing
While the intent behind the rule change is clear, its timing has sparked controversy. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has formally expressed their dissatisfaction to the BCCI, arguing that the late implementation of this rule was unfair and potentially cost them a playoff spot.
KKR’s contention stems from their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 17 in Bengaluru, which was washed out due to rain. The match was called off within the previous one-hour extra time limit, resulting in both teams sharing one point each. KKR believes that had the new two-hour buffer been in place then, there might have been enough time to complete at least a five-over-per-side game, which could have altered their playoff chances.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore reportedly sent an email to the IPL COO, Hemang Amin, stating that while mid-season rule changes might be necessary, consistency in their application is expected. He highlighted the clear rain forecast for their Bengaluru match and expressed grievance over the “ad hoc” nature and inconsistency of applying such decisions.
Other Recent Rule Changes in IPL 2025:
It’s worth noting that the IPL 2025 season has seen a few other rule adjustments:
- Temporary Player Replacements: Following a week-long suspension of the tournament due to certain external factors, the BCCI allowed franchises to sign temporary replacement players for the remainder of the season. However, these replacements are not eligible for retention in IPL 2026, aiming to prevent circumvention of the auction system.
- Use of Saliva: Bowlers are now permitted to use saliva to shine the ball, a practice that was banned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Second Ball Rule: In night matches, the bowling team has the option to request a change of ball after the 10th over if the first ball is deemed too wet or affected by dew.
- Expanded DRS Scope: The Decision Review System (DRS) has been expanded to include height-based no-ball reviews and wide-ball reviews outside the off-stump, utilizing Hawk-Eye technology.
- New Code of Conduct: A new demerit points system and suspension points will be implemented as part of an updated Code of Conduct.
The BCCI’s latest rule change for the IPL 2025 playoffs underlines their commitment to ensuring fair play and minimizing disruptions, even as it navigates the complexities of a dynamic tournament. The impact of this change on the remaining matches and the playoffs will undoubtedly be a key talking point as the tournament progresses.
