Why BCCI Introduced Bat Size Checking Rule In IPL 2025

Aakash Saini

Hardik Pandya with his collection of bats in IPL 2025 [Source: @mipaltan/x]Hardik Pandya with his collection of bats in IPL 2025 [Source: @mipaltan/x]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a unique rule this IPL 2025 season. The rule in contention, allows umpires and match officials to randomly check the size of the player’s bats even during match time.

Umpires have already been spotted checking the size of the bats of hard-hitting cricketers like Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, RCB star Phil Salt and Rajasthan Royals’ explosive middle-order barbarian Shimron Hetmyer. Here, we will examine why the BCCI has introduced such random in-match bat checks for IPL 2025.

Why BCCI implemented bat checking rule

The practice of examining the size of the bats is not new. However, previously, match officials were required to check the size of the player’s bats inside the dressing room on match eve. As per the new rules, umpires can now inspect the sizes of the blades at any point, even during match times.

One can assume that the BCCI implemented this rule in a bid to step up the vigilance in restricting the use of oversized bats. As per the rules, a player’s bat width must not exceed 4.25 inches and the depth must not exceed 2.64 inches. Moreover, even the edges of the bat should not exceed 1.56 inches.

Umpires and match officials have been instructed to use ‘home-shaped bat gauge’ to examine the size of the bats. Furthermore, every batter is required to pass the gauge test before batting in the match.

An Indian Express report earlier stated that certain players were found using oversized bats, thus prompting the BCCI to implement the counter measures in the already-explosive T20 format and the high-scoring nature of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket.

IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal even stated that these random bat checks will help uphold the spirit of the game.