Phil Salt's bat used in T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, IPL cleared by ECB's Anti-Corruption Unit; Lancashire slam commentators, media for inappropriate comments

England opener Phil Salt's bat became the centre of controversy when it did not pass the gauge test during the T20 Blast 2025 clash between Lancashire and Northamptonshire on July 4. There were allegations related to a potential breach of ECB Directives 3.2 and 3.3. However, the Lancashire opener has been cleared off all any breach of ECB's Anti-Corrpution Code.

Salt had made it clear that he has been using the bat in question for a long time. He used it in England's ODI and T20I matches, including the T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He used it playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 where bat-gauge tests were regular.

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On July 4, on-field umpire Simon Widdup checked Salt's bat in the first over of the run chase. The gauge test was carried about after the match but Salt was not found to have breached the ACU code. But, the officials took it for further testing.

"At Lancashire, we believe this whole process could have been avoided with improved processes on and off the field, whether that be through better equipment and/or additional training. Following the incident there have been inappropriate comments made by match commentators, inaccurate articles written in the media and some unsavoury social media posts towards the player, that could have been avoided," the club's statement read.

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"Following this evidential testing process undertaken by the Cricket Regulator, the bat was found to be compliant with the Regulations - and the Club and player have been informed that no further action will be taken," it added.

Salt plays match-winning knock with bat in question

In the run chase, Salt played a match-winning knock of 80 runs from 57 balls. He hit eight fours and four sixes during his stay at the crease. He shared a 123-run partnership with his former captain Jos Buttler who contributed with a 42-ball 54. Salt's knock, followed by cameos from Liam Livingstone (9-ball 19) and Luke Wells (unbeaten 4-ball 15) helped Lancashire chase down the target of 178 with five wickets in hand and three balls to spare.

In Lancashire's next game, he scored 44 runs from 35 balls. Lancashire posted 178/6 and beat Derbyshire by 42 runs.