Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag’s bat fails a gauge test during a match against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, April 16. The incident unfolded when Parag took on the position of Skipper Sanju Samson, who retired hurt because of an injury. When the umpires came to check the bat of the RR batter, it failed to meet the required standard and also the gauge test. Upon failing the test, Parag was asked to select a new bat to continue his innings.
Now, as per the revised BCCI rules, on-field umpires have been awarded the permission to check the bats of batters present on the field and ensure fair play tactics, maintaining the spirit of the game
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The umpires are doing their job and #RiyanParag’s bat is under scrutiny! 🧐
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Riyan Parag, who replaced Sanju Samson, became the latest victim of the umpire’s gauge test to check bats. Coming on to chase 189 against Delhi Capitals, Sanju Samson took the retired hurt and was replaced by Riyan Parag to continue the chase during the fifth over of the RR innings. But as soon as Riyan entered the crease, the umpires stopped him and went for the gauge test. However, the bat did not pass the test, and he was asked to select a different bat before he could begin his innings.
Visibly surprised and somewhat unimpressed with the test outcome, Riyan was seen in discussion with the umpires, trying to explain his point of view. Despite his efforts to clarify the situation, the officials stood firm on their decision and Riyan had no choice but to swap his bat and resume play.
What is BCCI’s new rule regarding bat size?
To ensure a fair balance between bat and ball in T20 cricket, the BCCI has implemented a new rule requiring all bats to pass a gauge test before use. Openers’ bats will be checked by the fourth umpire before the match starts, while the on-field umpires will inspect the bats of all incoming batters during the game.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal explained that the move was to make sure there is a fair battle on the field. Nobody should feel that somebody’s got an undue advantage,” he told The Indian Express.
“The BCCI and IPL have always taken all initiatives in this direction so that fairness of the game is maintained. We have used technology to the maximum to make sure that all decisions can be reviewed so that the games don’t get unfairly affected. The idea behind this initiative is to ensure that the spirit of the game is maintained.”
The bat dimensions:
According to IPL 2025 regulations, bats must adhere to given standards and strict dimensions: A maximum width of 10.79 cm, blade thickness of up to 6.7 cm. Edge thickness not exceeding 4 cm and a total length capped at 96.4 cm
