Rain is looming over the very first match of IPL 2025, due to which there is a possibility of delay in this match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore. What rules will be applicable in case the IPL league matches are affected by rain, know in this report-

Cricket lovers will get a chance to enjoy exciting matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Like every year, this time also some special rules have been implemented, which all teams and players will have to follow. The BCCI has also announced these rules, which include new rules from lifting the ban on the use of saliva to the use of two balls in the second innings. But there are some rules, which are intact this time as well like every year and the most important of these is the rule related to the time limit and extra time of the matches.

The 18th season of IPL will start from Saturday, March 22 and in the very first match of the season, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will face Royal Challengers Bangalore. This match will be played at Kolkata's home ground Eden Gardens Stadium. But the shadow of rain is looming over this match. It rained in Kolkata on Friday and it is expected on Saturday as well, due to which there is a possibility of disruption in the match.

What is the rule of extra time?

Now every year some matches of IPL get washed away by rain and there is every possibility of this happening this year as well. In such a situation, it is important to know what rules BCCI has made for this. According to the rules of IPL, an extra hour of time is given in league stage matches. Its purpose is to ensure that the match can be completed even in the event of any interruption or delay.

Cut-off time: According to the rules of T20 cricket, at least 5-5 overs must be played to achieve the result of any match. In such a situation, if the league stage match in IPL is delayed due to any reason, then the cut-off time for a 5-over match has been set at 10:56 pm. This means that the game must start by this time.

Extra time: The time for evening matches in IPL is from 7.30 pm and according to the stipulated period, it should end by 11 pm. But in case of rain, the match has to be completed by 12:06 am at any cost. If the match is not completed in the stipulated time, then the appropriate decision will be taken by the umpire and match referee.

The target or the result of the match will be decided by DLS

If the match is delayed due to rain, poor light or any other reason, then the number of overs is reduced. But in any case, this number cannot be less than 5 overs per innings. In case of reduction in overs, Duckworth-Lewis rule (DLS) is used. However, the purpose of extra time is to ensure that the match can be completed and the spectators get to experience the full excitement.