Why the IPL is Cracking Down on Oversized Bats

Why the IPL Started Measuring Bat Sizes Mid-Season in 2025

Ever since April 13, 2025, a notable change has caught the eye of fans and players alike: IPL officials began checking bat sizes with a gauge during matches. This sudden enforcement has raised one key question—why now?

What's behind the move?

Though the IPL hasn’t released an official explanation, sources have told ESPNcricinfo that the crackdown aims to ensure fair play by maintaining a better balance between bat and ball. The concern: some batters were using oversized bats that could provide an unfair advantage.

While the IPL had measured bat dimensions in previous seasons, those checks were done randomly before match days—usually by the fourth umpire—and weren’t consistently applied to all bats or all players. That allowed loopholes where a player could have one bat tested and use another in the actual match.

To close that gap, the IPL decided at the start of the 2025 season to shift to in-match bat checks. Match officials reportedly raised concerns privately about the size of some bats, prompting a move toward uniform enforcement.

What rules are being followed?

The IPL is now following Law 5 of the MCC’s Laws of Cricket, a rule that was first enforced by the ECB in domestic cricket in 2018. It limits bat dimensions as follows:

• Width: 10.8 cm (4.25 inches)

• Edge thickness: 4 cm (1.56 inches)

• Overall depth: 6.7 cm (2.64 inches)

How does the bat gauge work?

The gauge is a rectangular frame with a house-shaped cutout. If a bat fits through the cutout—considering any allowed coverings, repairs, or toe guards—then it is deemed legal for match use.

When are bats checked?

Starting April 13, all teams were notified about the new protocol. Bat gauges were issued to each team so players could pre-check their equipment.

• Before innings: The fourth umpire checks both openers’ bats.

• During play: On-field umpires carry a bat gauge to inspect the bat of every incoming batter.

• Bat changes: If a batter swaps their bat mid-innings, the replacement is checked as well.

So far, two bats have failed the test—belonging to Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

What happens if a bat fails?

Unlike the ECB, which imposed strict penalties (e.g., Essex was docked 12 points in the 2024 County Championship), the IPL has chosen a softer approach. The only consequence is that the non-compliant bat cannot be used in the match. No fines or point deductions are involved.

Player reaction

The new checks have caught several players by surprise. One tailender from a title-contending team reportedly found all seven or eight of his bats were too large. This could especially affect overseas players whose bats are custom-made abroad and may not follow local size norms.

Previously, the lack of thorough, matchday checks allowed players to sidestep regulations. Now, the IPL’s stricter enforcement signals a clear intent: level the playing field and uphold the integrity of the game.

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