In a surprising and unprecedented moment during the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), KKR all-rounder Sunil Narine failed the newly enforced bat size check just before entering the field to bat. The incident occurred at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur, where reserve umpire Saiyed Khalid stopped Narine and measured his bat — only to find it exceeded the legal size limits.
The moment, caught on video and shared widely on social media, has sparked a debate among fans and experts over fairness and equipment compliance in the IPL. Narine was forced to swap his bat before taking the field.
Not Just Narine – Nortje Also Fails Bat Test
KKR’s tail-ender Anrich Nortje was also found using an oversized bat. Like Narine, he was stopped outside the boundary and had to replace his bat after being informed of the breach.
Meanwhile, KKR’s young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi passed the check and was allowed to proceed with his bat.
What Are IPL Bat Size Rules?
According to IPL and BCCI regulations:
- Bat width: Max 10.79 cm
- Blade thickness: Max 6.7 cm
- Edge thickness: Max 4 cm
- Length: Should not exceed 96.4 cm
These checks are now being conducted randomly during games and on-field — unlike earlier seasons where bats were verified pre-match in the dressing room.
Why the Check Matters
The IPL Governing Council introduced this rule in 2025 to ensure fair play and avoid unfair advantages, especially on high-scoring grounds. Narine’s failed test has now led fans to question whether he was previously using non-compliant bats during the tournament.
With on-field enforcement now becoming stricter, players and franchises are expected to double-check their equipment before every match.
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