Kolkata Knight Rides (KKR) criticized the Indian Premier League decision (IPL) to allow 120 minutes of extra time for the league matches affected by rain, describing it as “custom” and a weak timing. They believed that this new rule could help them stay in the race for the qualifiers if it was presented earlier, according to EspNucicinfo. The IPL board recently updated the rules to allow two additional hours for the final league matches, hoping to guarantee 20 full games despite the expected seasonal rains. Previously, only one hour of extra time for the league matches and two hours of qualifying matches were allowed.
In an email sent to all ten teams, IPL from IPL Hemang Ain explained that the change has been caused by the increasing threat of rain. However, the CEO of KKR Venky MySore answered, asking why this rule was not implemented from the moment when the championship resumed.
“While these changes in the middle of the season on the rules may be necessary under these circumstances, one has expected more consistency in the way these changes are applied,” said Mysore in email.
He referred to the KKR match against Royal Challeners Bengaluru (RCB) on May 17, the first after the championship was suspended due to tensions in Pakistani India as an example. That game, which was held in Bangaluru, was washed with rain, and no play was possible. The match was ultimately canceled at 10:26 pm, before the original cutting time from 10:56 pm, and both teams had to settle for one point for each.
Missour argued that with the new temporary store for two hours, there was enough time to hold the game at least five for each side, which could have kept KKR hopes in the qualifiers alive. He pointed out that the weather forecast had already warned of the rain on that day, so the need for flexibility was clear.
“When IPL was restarted, it was clear that the first match on May 17 KKR against RCB was at risk of interruption due to rain in [Bengaluru]. The expectations there were for everyone to see. Missour said that the game was not only washed, but the additional additional game that is applied now has provided an opportunity for no less than 5 side games.
He added: “Washing in KKR opportunities has ended in taking the qualifiers. Such a dedicated decision and contradictions in its application are not suitable for a championship from this situation. I am sure that you also understand the reason we feel upset.”
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