Today, we discuss the ICC rules for cricket bats. Cricket has several pieces of equipment used for its play. The cricket bat is one of the most fundamental parts of all the pieces of equipment. A professional Cricket bat is made up of wood known as willow and is available in various sizes and weights.
However, various companies have, over the years, tried new shapes that come within the laws of the game to make a name for themselves and to improve sales. Here are the ICC rules for cricket bats.
To prevent any added advantages or unfair play due to different bat sizes, the International Cricket Council formulated several laws regarding the bat. So here in this blog, we’re going to have a look at the rules of the bat to be used in international cricket.
Read also: 5 Indians with Most ODI Runs against Australia
The latest Laws of the cricket bat formulated by ICC came in effect in October 2017. Below are the ICC rules for cricket bats:
- Law 5 of the Laws of Cricket state that the length of the bat may be no more than 38 in (965 mm), the width no more than 4.25 in (108 mm), the overall depth no more than 2.64 in (67 mm) and edge no more than 1.56 in (40 mm).
- Bats typically weigh from 2 lb 7 oz to 3 lb (1.2 to 1.4 kg) though there is no standard. Appendix B of the Laws of Cricket set out more precise specifications. This ICC Rules For Cricket Bat was introduced following the Monster Bat Incident of 1771.
- The 2017 update to the Laws saw no changes to the maximum length of the bat, 38 inches/96.52 cm. Still, a new specification stated that the edge of the bat could not be more than 1.56 inches / 4 cm, while the depth cannot be more than 2.64 inches / 6.7 cm.
- The umpires are now given a bat gauge to check the legality of the bat at any time.
- Bats are available in a range of sizes, with some manufacturers offering unique variations. Commonly found are children’s sizes 0 to 6, youth size Harrow and adult sizes.
- SH (Short Handle) is the most common adult size, while the long handle and extended blade options are also available.
- Children’s sizes increase in length and width as the size increase. Although most adult bats will be the maximum width permitted (4.25 inches), no generally available cricket bat is the maximum length of 38 inches; indeed, very few exceed 35 inches. ICC rules for Cricket Bat limit the size.
- Even blocking a fast bowl creates a lot of vibration in the handle. That is why to minimize the vibration, some materials like rubber “springs” can be used. Still, it cannot be more than 10% of the handle for Grade A and Grade B.
- Cane, wood, and/or twine are the rest of the materials. ICC rules for Cricket Bat prohibit usage of anything other than these.
- For Grade C, it can be increased by up to 20%. The lower part of the handle cannot be more than 3.25 in/8.26cm, and it must be made of cane, wood, or twine.
- To improve the moisture resistance and keep the bat’s blade as good as possible from natural decay, varnish or similar products can be used. Still, it cannot be used to increase performance.
- Another important thing is that for Grade A and Grade B bats, this treatment must not change the color of the blade, but for Grade C, a significant change in color is allowed. Toe insert can be used for Grade B and Grade C, but Grade A may not be used. But it cannot be more than 2.5 in/6.35 cm up the blade at any point. Like toe insert Grade
- A bats may not have side inserts, but Grade B and Grade C bats may have side inserts. It cannot be more than 1 in/2.54 cm across the blade at any point. Binding cannot be more than 2.5 in/6.35 cm, and the grip cannot be more than 2.75 in/6.99 cm. The electrical or similar tape can be used to keep the grip more stable. These ICC rules for Cricket Bat are very important for any cricket professional.
Read Also: Prudential World Cup 1983 in the History of Indian Cricket
These were the ICC rules for Cricket Bat, hope these will help you get the best bat. Don’t forget to pen down your comments.
#SportsEquipment: #DoYouKnow the Best #CricketBats for Beginners? https://t.co/eMMrK3fRsj
— SportsCrunch (@SportsCrunch) June 16, 2020