IPL cracks down on ‘bat boosting’: Umpires now armed with bat gauges on-field

In a bold move to restore parity between bat and ball in the IPL’s high-octane T20 format, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out a new in-game protocol to curb the use of oversized bats.

Starting this season, every batsman will be subject to on-field scrutiny using a standardized plastic gauge before taking strike.

This decision follows growing concerns that some players have been gaining an unfair advantage by subtly enhancing the “bat bulge” to create a more powerful “sweet spot”—without breaching the legal weight limit. The practice, insiders say, has tilted the already bat-friendly format even further in favor of big hitters.

Earlier this season, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada publicly voiced frustrations that echoed across the bowling fraternity. Citing the increasingly one-sided contests, he remarked that if scores continued to rocket past the 300-run mark, the sport might as well be renamed “batting” instead of “cricket.”

From openers to finishers, each bat will be tested in real-time. The fourth umpire will vet the openers’ bats before they walk out, while the on-field umpires will check each subsequent batsman’s bat using the triangular plastic gauge — designed to match legal dimensions: a maximum depth of 2.68 inches, width of 4.33 inches, and edge thickness of 1.61 inches.

The permitted curvature on the non-hitting side is limited to just 0.20 inches.

Previously, bat checks were conducted on the eve of matches, a system that left the door open for players to switch bats before game time. That loophole has now been firmly shut.

An international batsman familiar with the grey zone explained the tactic: “Players bulk up the lower part of the bat, where contact is made, to amplify power. Thicker edges and concentrated mass around the sweet spot can turn mistimed shots into sixes.”

In England’s county circuit, such breaches have had tangible consequences — Nottinghamshire was docked points last season. While the IPL has so far issued only warnings, the stakes are now visibly higher with in-game checks unfolding in the public eye.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal emphasized the need for fairness: “Nobody should feel that someone’s enjoying an undue advantage. The spirit of the game is paramount,” he was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

“We’ve always used technology and transparency to ensure fairness, and this step reinforces our commitment.”

Bat manufacturers are backing the move too. Paras Anand, CEO of SG (Sanspareils Greenlands), acknowledged the shift: “All SG bats are tested, but earlier, scrutiny was inconsistent. Now, we’ll be more stringent. Though minor variances didn’t make much difference, it’s essential to maintain standardization.”

However, Anand also believes sixes are here to stay. “Modern players are stronger, practice power-hitting and innovative shots far more. The bat is just one piece of the puzzle.”

With tighter regulations now in play, the IPL aims to level the playing field — ensuring that in a game of fine margins, skill, not subtly modified equipment, makes the difference.