Starting with IPL 2025, another interesting sight has come up: random inspection of players’ bats by on-field umpires. It is likely to become standard practice in the Indian Premier League, with every batter facing a bat inspection. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has stated that players will now be required to have a bat gauge, which is to be provided to umpires before they come for their duties at the crease.
Only three days ago, Shimron Hetmyer and Phil Salt were halted in quick succession during the match between the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore for bat inspection. They were asked to place their bats through the gauge and were allowed to resume only upon successful clearance of the inspection.
Dhumal stated, “Nobody should feel that somebody’s got an undue advantage. The BCCI and IPL have always taken all initiatives in this direction so that the game’s fairness is maintained. We have used technology to the maximum to make sure that all decisions can be reviewed so that the games aren’t unfairly affected. The idea behind this initiative is to ensure that the spirit of the game is maintained.”
Recently the BCCI implemented new practice session rules for maintaining order and player’s training schedules.
According to regulations, the width of a bat must not exceed 4.25 inches (10.8 cm), with a maximum depth of 2.64 inches (6.7 cm) and the edges limited to 1.56 inches (4.0 cm). The handle may not exceed more than 52% of the total length of the bat. Further, any covering must have a maximum thickness of 0.04 inches (0.1 cm), and any protection for the toe must also be less than 0.12 inches (0.3 cm). The bat must further smoothly pass through the official bat gauge.
According to the rules, the fourth umpire will inspect the bats of the two opening players before they step onto the field, while the two on-field umpires will check every other batter.
