IPL 2025: In a New Trend, Umpires Intensify Random Bat Checks On-Field to Ensure Fair Play

In a bid to maintain fairness amid the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) explosive power-hitting era, on-field umpires have begun random bat dimension checks during matches, a shift from the usual dressing-room inspections.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has empowered officials to scrutinize bats on the field if they suspect any non-compliance, aiming to curb potential unfair advantages.

Historically, bat checks occurred pre-game, with players submitting their willows to pass through a house-shaped gauge ensuring compliance with International Cricket Council (ICC) standards: a maximum bat face width of 4.25 inches, middle thickness of 2.64 inches, edge width of 1.56 inches, and height of 38 inches.

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A former BCCI umpire, speaking anonymously, noted that on-field checks address concerns about players possibly swapping checked bats for non-compliant ones. “A little extra edge or thickness can turn mis-hits into sixes,” he said, highlighting the stakes in today’s game.

Recent checks on players like Shimron Hetmyer, Phil Salt, and Hardik Pandya—all cleared—reflect this vigilance. With 525 sixes already smashed this season, including 31 by Nicholas Pooran alone, even minor deviations could amplify hitting power. The BCCI remains silent on whether specific violations prompted this protocol, but the move underscores their commitment to integrity as IPL batting records soar.

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