NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has clarified his current feedback in regards to the bats utilized by Indian cricketers after they sparked main controversy throughout the T20 World Cup 2026. His earlier remarks have been interpreted by many as an allegation of “bat-tampering” or unfair tools benefits for Workforce India, however Rajapaksa mentioned his phrases have been misunderstood and brought out of context.
In a social media publish, Rajapaksa defined that his intention was to reward India’s cricketing setup and tools requirements, not accuse anybody of wrongdoing. “Hello all, only a fast clarification about feedback from a current interview which were interpreted in another way and, in components, misplaced in translation,” he wrote. “My level was meant as reward: Indian cricket is extremely superior, from its programs and infrastructure to its tools requirements. Their bat producers are actually among the many greatest on this planet. In hindsight, I may have offered clearer context. Nothing however respect at all times,” he added.The controversy started after Rajapaksa was quoted as saying, “Indian gamers have bats which can be far superior to the perfect bats we get. It feels as if a layer of rubber has been utilized. I can’t think about how that’s potential. These bats can’t even be purchased by others — all gamers know this.” These feedback led to on-line debates and hypothesis about whether or not Indian gamers have been utilizing particular or modified bats.Nevertheless, no official criticism was made to the ICC, and neither India nor Sri Lanka issued any formal assertion on the matter. The episode primarily remained a social media and fan dialogue.In cricket, ball tampering has lengthy been a delicate matter, however bats have additionally been mentioned prior to now, particularly relating to dimension and energy. The ICC has guidelines on bat dimensions, reminiscent of the utmost thickness of the perimeters, however there are not any rules on the standard of the willow used to make bats. With English willow turning into rarer and dearer, some worry that wealthier groups and gamers may acquire an tools benefit.
