Islamabad, 17 April 2025: Riyan Parag sparked controversy in the IPL match after umpires paused play to inspect his bat under a new gauge test.
The incident, which took place shortly after captain Sanju Samson retired hurt, has sparked debate among players, commentators, and cricket fans alike.
In accordance with updated regulations by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), umpires are now empowered to verify that a player’s bat conforms to specific dimensions.
Parag’s bat, however, initially failed the test, prompting officials to request a replacement before he could continue his innings.
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While the procedure is part of the league’s new compliance measures, it drew attention for the visible reaction it provoked from Indian cricket icon Rahul Dravid.
As cameras captured the moment, Dravid was seen with a blank yet pointed expression, suggesting disapproval or confusion regarding the situation.
Commentators weighed in, with Graeme Swann remarking that Parag “just about passed the batometer” after some initial resistance.
Another commentator speculated on Parag’s frustration, suggesting he had argued the same bat had already passed inspection in the dressing room.
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This is not the first time bat size compliance has interrupted an IPL 2025 fixture.
Days earlier, KKR’s Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje were also told to change bats after failing gauge tests against Punjab Kings.
While the BCCI maintains that the checks are crucial to maintaining fairness and standardization, reactions remain mixed.
Some view the checks as unnecessarily disruptive, while others believe they are a necessary step towards ensuring a level playing field.
As the tournament progresses, the bat gauge policy is expected to remain in force, possibly prompting teams to reassess their equipment before heading onto the field.
