English white-ball opener Phil Salt, who played a crucial role in RCB’s IPL 2025 championship victory, recently came under the spotlight during the Vitality Blast T20 over a bat that had failed an on-field bat gauge test initially. But following additional inspection by the Cricket Regulator, the bat has now been cleared officially, and no action will be taken.
Phil Salt’s IPL Used Bat Fails Initial Gauge Test
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In Lancashire Lightning’s Vitality Blast game vs. Northamptonshire Steelbacks on July 4, Salt’s bat was tested with an on-field gauge test in the first over of the run chase. The bat, which had been used for England duties, domestic matches, and in the IPL over the last two years, failed to pass through the standard gauge, sending instant doubts about its compliance.
According to ECB Directives, any bat must fit through a prescribed gauge to meet legal size requirements. Salt’s bat, used during RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign, initially failed this test and prompted further post-match scrutiny.
Post-Match Tests Yield Inconclusive Results
Even after going through the gauge several times in post-match testing, the findings were marked as “inconclusive.” While Phil Salt and Lancashire Cricket thought the issue should have been dropped there, the bat was removed for further evidential testing by the Cricket Regulator, an independent body established by the ECB.
In a formal announcement released on July 7, Cricket Regulator confirmed that Phil Salt’s bat was in full compliance with all laws, putting an end to speculation and assuring that no action would be taken against Salt or Lancashire.
“After undergoing this evidential testing process, the bat was deemed compliant with the Regulations,” read the official announcement.
Club Blames Testing Process, Media Response
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Lancashire was disappointed at how events were unfolding, saying:
“The entire process could have been prevented with better processes on and off the pitch, whether that’s in the form of superior equipment and/or more training.”
The club also spoke out against false media reports, insulting commentary, and online abuse made towards Salt throughout the ordeal, demanding greater professionalism and consideration when handling such situations.
Phil Salt’s IPL Performance and International Record
The 28-year-old left-hand opener was one of RCB’s best performers in their first-ever IPL title success in 2025, scoring 403 runs from 13 games, only behind Virat Kohli (657 runs). He has also been England’s go-to man in white-ball cricket, with impressive figures:
33 ODIs – 988 runs, Avg. 31.87, 1 century
43 T20Is – 1193 runs, Avg. 34.08, Strike Rate 164.32, 3 centuries
Phil Salt Cleared, But Questions Linger Over Bat Testing Protocols
The Phil Salt bat gauge-test saga is now done, but it has left questions over the efficacy of on-field testing, how such instances are handled, and the reputational dangers for players caught up in inconclusive results. While Salt emerges cleared, the cricketing authorities now have the pressure to address concerns over transparency and uniformity in bat measurement processes.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Batsmen Who Scored 400+ Runs In A Single Test Match
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