An interesting situation has emerged concerning England's limited-overs opening batsman, Phil Salt. According to reports, the bat Phil Salt has been using for the past two years was initially deemed illegal in an on-field gauge test.
Sports News: England and Royal Challengers Bangalore opening batsman Phil Salt is currently in excellent form. Salt, who played a key role in helping RCB win their first title in IPL 2025 with his explosive batting, was recently embroiled in a bat controversy. In fact, while playing for Lancashire against Northants Steelbacks in a match during the Vitality Blast 2025, his bat was declared invalid in an on-field gauge test. This was the same bat he had been using for the past two years in England, IPL, and county cricket.
Controversy Erupts Over the Bat
During the match, officials examined Salt's bat by placing it in a gauge and testing its size according to the rules. Initially, the bat was found to be slightly larger than the prescribed standards, raising suspicions that it might be outside the regulations. In such cases, rule violations often concern the thickness or depth of the bat's edges.
According to the ECB, this issue violated sections 3.2 and 3.3 of their rules. These rules are designed to ensure the validity of player equipment.
Salt Relieved After ACU Investigation
However, the matter took a turn when the cricket regulatory body's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) conducted a thorough investigation of the bat. The investigation clarified that the bat was within the rules and could be used in any format of cricket. Lancashire club issued a statement saying, "This is the same bat that Phil Salt has been using for the past two years without any objection in international cricket, county, and IPL."
The initial gauge test had an error, which was corrected in subsequent technical investigations. No further action will be taken in this matter. The statement made it clear that neither the player had made any mistake nor had he knowingly resorted to any irregularity.
Played a Key Role in RCB's Victory
Phil Salt's cricketing journey is at its peak right now. In IPL 2025, he scored 403 runs in 13 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore, which was the second-highest contribution for the team after Virat Kohli (657 runs). His explosive batting and ability to provide quick starts played a crucial role in helping the team win the title.
