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[Johnny]

We all know they are illegal. In people's eyes who is worse; the players who use the bats or the batmakers who make them?

[tommo256]

Batmaker: it's like drugs are illegal but people still use them, who's in the wrong user or dealer/grower?

[jonwilson]

Who is worse?  perhaps the MCC for stifling innovation. 

[Lekka Global Alliance]

Batmaker: it's like drugs are illegal but people still use them, who's in the wrong user or dealer/grower?

Prescription drugs are legal but easily obtained via many outlets.

[petehosk]

Do you think we will have the same conversation about carbo handles in the future?

[Canners]

right thats it i wanna laminate with a carbo handle, who can fix me up?

[Johnny]

carbo handles aren't illegal are they?

[Canners]

i think so

[PedalsMcgrew]

carbo handles aren't illegal are they?

I think it's dependant on the amount of carbon in the handle, can't be any more than about 15% I think, it's something like that anyway.....

[petehosk]

And if you have a carbo handle containing more than that, then you are obviously a cheat!! 

[Johnny]

i thought it only applied to professional cricket

[Tom]

i thought it only applied to professional cricket

Correct. Any bats with full carbon handles can continue to be used in none professional games. New bats cannot be manufactured with more than 15% other materials than cane.

[Tom]

And for the record, the blame lies at the door of the players and the batmakers. Both know they're illegal.

I'd like to see the MCC along with the ICC getting tough and reverse any ICC approval for bat brands who are producing illegal bats. Perhaps with a warning initially.

[petehosk]

So Tom - if a new sponsored player was using a laminate of a brand, then should the player be banned, or should the brand that sponsors the player be banned? (hyperthetically of course)

[Tom]

Both should be banned, once an inquiry has been carried out. The player from matches. The brand from having it's logo displayed on equipment used in the professional game.

And I'll admit, I'm no shining light. I've unintentionally commissioned illegal bats to be made and seen them used in professional matches. Hence why I'd suggest a warning system, there are lots of laws some of which are confusingly worded (the MCC have to take a small part of the blame for this!). But I'd never knowingly produce an illegal bat or knowingly allow a player to use an illegal bat under my brand.