In an unusual sight during IPL 2025 matches, fans were left surprised when umpires were seen checking players’ bats right on the field. This is something rarely seen during live games, and it has led to several questions—why is this happening now? Has the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) changed any rule? Is there a new concern regarding bat sizes?
The move has stirred curiosity and raised doubts among players and viewers alike. Until now, such inspections were done quietly in the dressing room before matches. But now the action has shifted to the middle of the pitch.
Let’s understand the full background, the latest rule change, what the ICC guidelines say, and what this step means for IPL going forward.
What Changed in IPL 2025?
Earlier, bat size inspections were routine but done behind the scenes. Every player would submit their bats in the dressing room before the match. Match officials would check whether the bats met the size and dimension rules as set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
But now, during ongoing matches, umpires are seen walking up to players and checking the bats using a bat gauge—a special tool shaped like a house, which measures if the bat fits the allowed dimensions. This sudden shift in practice has caught everyone’s attention.
Why Did the BCCI Allow On-Field Bat Checks?
According to sources, the BCCI has officially allowed match officials to check bats during live matches if they feel the need. This is part of a stronger approach to ensure fair play.
While the board hasn’t given any detailed reason publicly, cricket experts believe that there may have been concerns that some players might be switching bats—showing one for inspection and using another with slightly bigger dimensions during the match.
A former umpire with experience in over 100 IPL matches shared with PTI that if such swapping was happening, this new rule makes perfect sense. The stricter process would act as a strong deterrent.
What Exactly Are the ICC Rules About Bats?
Every cricket bat used in international and top-level leagues like IPL must follow strict size guidelines. These were introduced in 2017 to control the growing dominance of big, heavy bats, which were turning even mistimed shots into boundaries.
According to ICC regulations:
- Bat width: Cannot be more than 10.79 cm (4.25 inches)
- Thickness at the middle (spine): Should not exceed 6.7 cm (2.64 inches)
- Edge thickness: Cannot be more than 4 cm (1.56 inches)
- Total length of bat: Cannot go beyond 96.4 cm (38 inches)
Any bat crossing these limits gives an unfair power advantage and must be banned from use.
Which Players’ Bats Were Checked?
During recent IPL 2025 matches, the bats of three major players were checked by the on-field umpires:
- Shimron Hetmyer – Rajasthan Royals
- Phil Salt – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians
Reports suggest that all their bats were found legal, and there were no violations. But the fact that such checks were carried out publicly shows that the BCCI is serious about monitoring equipment and leaving no room for suspicion.
Why Is This Even an Issue Now?
Modern cricket is witnessing a massive rise in power-hitting, especially in the IPL. In just a few weeks of the 2025 season, over 525 sixes have been hit. Big names like Nicholas Pooran have already hit over 30 sixes alone.
This rise is partly due to fitness and skill, but the size and shape of the bat also play a major role. Even a slight increase in edge thickness or spine size can make a huge difference, especially on small Indian grounds.
Experts believe that to keep the game balanced between bat and ball, strict control over bat size is essential. Else, the bowlers could be completely sidelined.
Are Players Using One Bat for Checking and Another for Playing?
This is the biggest concern right now. The reason behind introducing on-field bat checks seems to be linked to this very possibility. Earlier, bats were examined in the dressing room. But what if a player gave one bat for checking and then used another, slightly oversized one, during the match?
Players usually carry multiple bats with them. While the weight and feel may vary, all bats must stay within legal size. If someone tried to outsmart the system, it would be difficult to detect—unless random on-field checks were allowed.
This is why the BCCI’s latest move could help stop this practice, if it was happening.
Is This Like DRS for Equipment?
In a way, yes. Just like the Decision Review System (DRS) brought more transparency to umpiring decisions, on-field bat checks may help improve trust in fair play. When players know that their equipment can be inspected anytime, the chances of misuse naturally come down.
Also, when fans see such steps being taken openly, it gives confidence that the league is being run cleanly and professionally.
What Do Former Officials and Experts Say?
A former BCCI umpire shared with the media that the new rule is a smart step. He explained how umpires use a bat gauge shaped like a small house to test the dimensions. If a bat fits into it smoothly, it is legal.
He also added that earlier, such checking happened once for all bats before the match. But if players were indeed changing bats post-check, then random on-field inspection was the right step forward.
This view is being widely supported by other cricket officials, who believe that technology and strict processes are the way to move ahead in modern cricket.
Are We Heading Towards Stricter Bat Regulations?
Possibly yes. Cricket has always evolved—be it helmet rules, third umpires, or no-ball technology. Now with bat size becoming a game-changer, leagues like IPL are forced to pay more attention to equipment compliance.
There’s also a larger concern. If players are seen gaining too much power from slightly illegal bats, it could push younger cricketers to adopt risky practices, just to keep up. Setting the right example at the top level is important.
How Is This Affecting the IPL 2025 Game?
So far, the change hasn’t disturbed the flow of the game. Umpires are being quick and smart in how they conduct the checks. Players are cooperating too, understanding that these checks are for everyone’s benefit.
While this move may not stop six-hitting (after all, the format encourages it), it may just help keep things fairer between batsmen and bowlers.
Cricket is known for its spirit and fair competition. And while bat inspections may seem like a small thing, they could make a big difference in maintaining that balance.
