As the IPL 2025 season enters its final stages, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented new regulations to manage weather disruptions more effectively. The aim is to ensure matches are completed despite rain and that fans can enjoy full games without disappointment.
Extended Wait Time for Full Matches
Previously, IPL matches had a 60-minute waiting period for the game to begin before it was called off. Under the new rules, this has been extended to 120 minutes. That means even if a match starts two hours late, it can still be a full 20-over game.
The cut-off time for starting a minimum five-over game has also been pushed back by one hour. For night matches, the new latest possible start time for a 5-over match is 11:56 PM IST (previously 10:56 PM IST).
Updated Start Times:
Day Matches:
Full match latest start: 5:30 PM IST
5-over match latest start: 6:56 PM IST
Night Matches:
Full match latest start: 9:30 PM IST
5-over match latest start: 11:56 PM IST
Venue Changes Due to Rain
Besides the time adjustments, BCCI has also changed match venues due to forecasted heavy rain. For instance, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad match has been shifted to Lucknow to avoid washout risks in Bengaluru.
In another major update, the venues for the playoffs and final have been revised:
Qualifier 1 and Eliminator will now be held in Mullanpur instead of Hyderabad.
Qualifier 2 and the Final will be hosted in Ahmedabad, not Kolkata.
This has left many Kolkata fans disappointed, especially since the Eden Gardens will no longer host the final. The IPL Final is scheduled for June 3, a date when heavy rain is expected, prompting the BCCI to proactively make these adjustments.
UA / TDS
