As explosive batting continues dominating T20 cricket, concerns about the growing imbalance between bat and ball have risen. South African pacer Kagiso Rabada recently voiced this concern, humorously suggesting that the game might soon be renamed “batting” instead of cricket if the trend continues.

In response, the BCCI has taken a firm step to restore balance on the field. Starting this IPL season, all bats used by players must pass through a standard gauge before being used in a match. The fourth umpire will check openers’ bats before the innings begins, while other players will have their bats inspected on the field by the on-field umpires.

This move comes after multiple instances of players reportedly using oversized bats. While past offenders in the IPL have only received warnings, other leagues, like English county cricket, have enforced stricter penalties — Nottinghamshire even lost points over a similar incident.

Speaking to The Indian Express, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal emphasized that the initiative is aimed at maintaining fairness.

“No player should feel that another is gaining an unfair edge. We’ve always prioritized integrity and transparency, and this is just another step in that direction,” Dhumal said.

The newly introduced plastic gauge outlines the maximum legal dimensions of a cricket bat: a width of 4.33 inches, depth of 2.68 inches, edge thickness of 1.61 inches, and a permissible curve (bulge) of 0.20 inches.

Previously, officials would inspect bats a day before the match — a loophole that allowed some players to swap in non-compliant bats on game day. Now, with live, on-field checks, IPL aims to close that gap.

Insiders revealed that some batters modify the lower part of their bat to enhance the "sweet spot" — the area most often used to strike the ball — without increasing the bat’s weight. Thicker edges, another common tweak, can turn mishits into sixes.

However, with umpires now checking equipment in front of cameras and crowds, officials expect players to be more cautious.

Bat makers are also backing the move. Paras Anand, CEO of Sanspareils Greenlands (SG), acknowledged that while SG bats are designed to meet standards, a lack of rigorous checks had previously allowed for minor deviations — usually just 1 to 1.5 mm.
 

“We’re now being more strict with bat specifications,” Anand noted. “That said, don’t expect fewer sixes — today’s players are fitter, train for power hitting, and constantly push the boundaries with innovative shot-making.”

The new rule may not reduce high scores dramatically, but it’s a clear step toward leveling the playing field and preserving the competitive spirit of the game.