In a bid to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure fair play, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new norm in the IPL 2025. Umpires are now randomly checking the bats of players before they take strike, making it a mandatory procedure for all batters. This initiative comes as part of the BCCI’s ongoing efforts to ensure that no player has an unfair advantage during matches.
Why the Bat Check?
The decision to implement the bat check comes after the BCCI noticed that some players might be using bats that give them an advantage in terms of power and stroke-making. With high-scoring matches becoming more common in IPL 2025, the BCCI has introduced the “bat gauge,” a tool that checks the dimensions of a bat to ensure it meets the required standards. The checks will be conducted on every batter, and players must ensure their bats pass the test before they are allowed to take the field.
The New Bat Regulations
According to Arun Dhumal, BCCI secretary and IPL governor, the goal is to make sure that no player is using a bat that gives them an unfair edge. “Nobody should feel that somebody’s got an undue advantage,” Dhumal stated. He also emphasized that the BCCI has always worked towards maintaining fairness in the game, using technology and strict regulations to monitor and review decisions.
The official bat regulations state that:
The bat’s width is limited to 4.25 inches (10.8 cm).
The maximum depth is 2.64 inches (6.7 cm).
Edges cannot exceed 1.56 inches (4.0 cm).
The handle should not make up more than 52% of the total length of the bat.
Covering materials should be no thicker than 0.04 inches (0.1 cm), and toe protection must not exceed 0.12 inches (0.3 cm).
How the Bat Check Works
Before a batter takes the field, the fourth umpire will check their bat. The two on-field umpires will cross-examine the bats of the remaining players during the match. This new procedure aims to prevent any potential loopholes, as earlier bat checks were carried out only before the match. However, some players were returning the next day with different bats, prompting the need for these on-the-spot checks.
An international batsman familiar with oversized bats explained that players often bulk up the lower part of the bat, where contact with the ball is made, to generate more power. The sweet spot, typically located in the lower half of the bat, is critical for hitting powerful shots, making these oversized bats a sought-after advantage.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
While there are no direct penalties for failing the bat check, any non-compliant player must switch to a different bat before taking strike. However, breaches of the regulations can have more severe consequences, as seen in the 2023 English County Championship. Essex was docked 12 points when an oversized bat used by Feroze Khushi was discovered mid-innings, ultimately impacting their league position.
In IPL 2025, players such as Hardik Pandya and Sunil Narine have already faced scrutiny over their bats. During a match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, Pandya’s bat was checked but passed without issue. However, Narine and Anrich Nortje from Kolkata Knight Riders were forced to switch their bats after failing the gauge test in a match against Punjab Kings.
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