The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen several rule changes implemented to enhance different aspects of the game since its first season. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL Governing Council usually claim these laws aim to boost competitiveness and entertainment in the nation’s favourite franchise league.
But Venky Mysore disagrees.
Venky Mysore is the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Managing Director and believes one of the IPL’s new rules is inconsistent at best. Mysore berated the IPL’s rain time rule that led to his team failing to defend the IPL 2024 title.
What is the Rain Time Rule?
The rain time rule aims to minimize match disruptions caused by rain. It usually lasts 90 mins and was given an upgrade in 2025 to avoid washouts and match cancellations.
The IPL decided to increase rain time extensions from 90 minutes to 120 minutes; however, this didn’t sit well with Mysore and KKR.
What Did Mysore Say About the Rule?
The KKR MD wrote an email to the IPL Governing Council to express his dissatisfaction with the introduced rain time extension rule. The contents of Mysore’s mail were made available to the media. Mysore claimed the extended rain time rule contributed to the washout against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
“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,” he said while referring to the rain time extension coming into effect after the IPL 2025 restart.
“When the IPL restarted, 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. 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,” the KKR MD said in the email.
“The wash-out ended KKR’s chances of making the playoffs. Such ad-hoc decisions and inconsistencies in applying them are not appropriate for a tournament of this standing. I am sure you also understand why we feel aggrieved,” he added.
Is the IPL Restart Responsible for More Rain-Related Incidents?
It is likely that a delay by several days could see some IPL 2025 matches take place under bad weather. A separate event involving the Delhi Capitals (DC) led its franchise owner to write the IPL’s governing body. His letter to the governing council sought a shift to the DC’s match against the Mumbai Indians (MI). DC co-owner Parth Jindal requested the shift to another location after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a moderate rainfall alert for the city on May 21, 2025.
More rain-related incidents are likely to pop up before the rescheduled IPL 2025 rounds off in early June.
Other Controversial IPL Rules Introduced in the Last Three Seasons
Bat testing (enforcement began in IPL 2025)
The IPL began enforcing bat size regulations at IPL 2025. These regulations targeted limits to the edge thickness and dimensions of cricket bats used in all IPL matches.
Fans hailed the introduction of this rule, as it aims to prevent batsmen from gaining unfair advantage oversized bats provide. The rule also received further praise for encouraging uniform equipment while promoting the game’s integrity.
However, players accustomed to large-end bats will have a hard time adapting to this rule. Sticking with leaner bats could affect their long-term performance and reduce the run-scoring chances of several top players. Challenges in logistics are also set to plague enforcement of this rule.
Slow over rate penalties (major changes from IPL 2025)
The IPL imposed tougher penalties on teams that fail to avoid slow over rates throughout the season. Such penalties include fines, fielding restrictions, and suspension of team captains for repeat offenses.
Penalties for slow over rates aim to encourage teams to manage time and enhance the professionalism attributed to IPL games. However, the move has received criticism for its strictness that may affect overall player decision-making abilities.
The rule received much negative attention after MI captain Hardik Pandya was suspended for the first IPL 2025 game for slow over rates recorded at IPL 2024.
Use of saliva (banned in IPL 2020 and reintroduced at IPL 2025)
The IPL placed a ban on use of saliva for ball shining in 2020. The move was in line with COVID-19 regulations to maintain player safety. A statement from the IPL before the 2025 season announced this rule’s reintroduction to allow bowlers use saliva once more.
Concerns about hygiene and player safety makes this rule’s reintroduction seem controversial.
