Riyan Parag had a tough evening in Delhi during the DC vs RR match in IPL 2025 on Wednesday. As he walked out to bat, his bat was checked by the officials and didn’t pass the test. The RR star wasn’t happy with the call and looked upset. Sadly, his time at the crease didn’t last long, as he got out shortly after.
Riyan Parag came in to bat after Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson had to leave the field, retired hurt while facing a delivery from Vipraj Nigam. As soon as Parag stepped onto the field at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the umpires stopped him for a bat check. They tried to pass his bat through the standard gauge used to measure its size, but it didn’t go through. The umpires ruled that the bat was too big to be used. Parag was clearly upset and argued with them, but the officials stuck to their decision.
Umpires checking Riyan Parag’s bat. pic.twitter.com/TtIeewUx6c
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 16, 2025
This incident is just the latest in a series of players being pulled up for using bats that don’t meet the rules this season. Before this, KKR’s Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje were also asked to swap their bats after officials found issues during checks.
Why Are Umpires Checking Bats in the IPL?
The umpires are checking the bats as part of BCCI protocol, which aims to prevent players from gaining unfair advantages in an era of aggressive power-hitting.
The BCCI has authorised IPL match officials to inspect any bat they consider necessary during live games, marking a significant change from previous seasons, where such checks were confined to dressing rooms.
What Are the Official Rules on Bat Size?
According to ICC rules, cricket bats have to follow certain size limits. The width of the bat’s face can’t be more than 4.25 inches. The thickest part in the middle should not go over 2.64 inches. The edges (side parts) should be within 1.56 inches. Also, the full length of the bat from the bottom to the top of the handle must not be longer than 38 inches.
| Bat Part | Maximum Size (inches) | Maximum Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Face Width | 4.25 inches | 10.79 cm |
| Middle Thickness | 2.64 inches | 6.7 cm |
| Edge Thickness | 1.56 inches | 4 cm |
| Total Length | 38 inch | 96.4 cm |
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