Expectations were high, fan bases prepared and both teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) were getting ready for their important game, as part of the IPL 2025 campaign. Unfortunately for them, Mother Nature had a different outcome in mind. After rain persisted through the day and duration of time allowable for the teams and fans, the match was abandoned – leading to a disappointment for both clubs and a shared point standing, The abandonment resulted from a detailed and considered book of rules on when a game can proceed and when it becomes a no call. One of the key points to any abandonment is reference of the cut-off time of the five over game – the last final clock that allows a game to be scheduled for play in the format of the shortest game allowed by the book of rules.
This blog discusses the detail surrounding the abandonment of SRH vs DC IPL 2025 match – in terms of the circumstances, rules and this timeline.
Rain Delays in Cricket – An Unexpected, Reality
Cricket and some other sports confront nature in an unpredictable way. A curtain of may interrupt play, a wet outfield could keep players off the pitch, heavy rain often will lead to a no call altogether. T20 cricket – by way of example IPL edition – helps prevent native games being lost by way of contingencies on / time and reducing number of overs and Super Overs for critical events like playoff scenarios.
However all commutations are subject to time limitations and rules.
IPL Rules – Minimum Overs for A Match
According to the IPL, five overs (per side) must be bowled to count a legitimate match. This rule applies strictly to league-stage games with slight variations for playoffs of finals when alternate conditions exist for a reserve day or more extra time.
Thus when abandoned by rain, the umpires and match referees work backward from the set cut-off time and determine how much game was within the window of many possible scenarios.
What Is the Cut-Off Time for a 5-Over Match?
The cut-off time is the last possible time for a match to start to create a contest of five overs a side, including the time for innings intervals and other breaks.
For normal IPL games that commence at 7:30 PM IST, there is maximum allowance of 1 hour of extra time, which means that the latest a match can finish is 12:10 AM IST.
For a delay of five overs a side amounting to 75-80 minutes total time to bowl 10 overs (five per side) with a ten minute innings-break, means the latest match can start is around 10:56 PM IST.
If there is no rain break and the ground is still unprepared for play after that time, the match is abandoned.
Timeline of Events SRH vs DC 2025
Let’s review the SRH vs DC match and the timeline of the events that occurred in IPL 2025.
Pre-Match Weather Problems
Weather reports included scattered thunderstorms. As a result, no doubt all fans, players and officials were hoping the rain would stay away long enough to play a little and at least create a shortened game.
First Delays
The rain started to fall before the toss. The groundsmen kept covers on, while umpires regularly checked the conditions at approximately every 20 minutes. The toss eventually became a further delay when light rain was falling.
Inspection
Hours later, the rain did slow. Umpires were considering requesting an inspection of the pitch, but the entire outfield was still very soggy. Before anything could really happen, the rain started again.
Cut-off Time
As time passed, the attention was all to the clock. The 10:56 PM IST was approaching. By approximately 10:30 PM it was abundantly clear that the rain would not cease, nor could enough drying time potentially be available, as the five-over game would never begin.
Match Abandoned
Approximately at 10:55 PM, with no end to the rain in sight and no potential time for the ground to dry, the umpires made the decision that the match could only be abandoned. As SRH and DC both received a point each, both teams would have to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
Frustration for Fans and Teams
Abandonments are always disappointing – particularly for the fans who have already spent hours at the stadium or in front of their TV. For teams, it is important for every point – especially in a league like the IPL, where the playoff’s order/dynamics may be decided not only by net run rate but also by a point or two!
For SRH and DC, this shared point could come back to either help or haunt them later in the tournament.
What Happens If You Can’t Even Get In Five Overs?
In the event of a five-over match not being feasible, there is a provision for a Super Over in playoff matches only not in league matches, like this one. As long as there is a clear weather window of at least 20-30 minutes and the match starts before 12:50 AM IST and will use the Super Over. Given that it was a league match, and the weather was not improving, we know that the Super Over was not possible.
Conclusion: Rules Are Clear, Nature Is Not
The SRH vs DC match in IPL 2025 is now another example of the susceptibility of cricket to weather and the need for rules which are clearly defined. While it was clear that the cut-off time for a five-over game was set, and that the officials did wait until the end, nature had the last word.
Even if the match had to be abandoned, the processes that went behind this decision were equitable, logical, and followed IPL’s commitment to both safety and to competitive balance. For both fans and teams it is unfortunate but accepted.
When SRH and DC continue their tournament they will be hoping that they do not get haunted by this lost opportunity. In the fickle nature of cricket – there is always a chance of fortune considering the unpredictable nature of both the game and the weather – so it is all about trying to grab every opportunity!
