The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2025 has already offered its share of memorable moments, but few were as bizarre and eye-catching as the incident involving Chepauk Super Gillies’ batter K. Aashiq and Nellai Royal Kings’ bowler Emmanuel Cherian. In a moment that stunned players and fans alike, Aashiq’s bat snapped in half mid-shot and flew directly toward the bowler, narrowly missing him in what could have turned into a dangerous mishap.
The incident occurred during a tense phase of the game when Chepauk Super Gillies were chasing a competitive target set by Nellai Royal Kings. Aashiq, known for his aggressive strokeplay, attempted to go big on a short-of-length delivery. As he swung hard through the line, the bat gave way at the handle, splitting cleanly and sending the top half flying with speed in Cherian’s direction.
The crowd, already charged with excitement, gasped collectively as the splintered bat soared across the pitch. Cherian reacted instinctively, ducking and twisting away just in time to avoid being struck. The bat blade thudded into the turf harmlessly a few feet behind him, but the close call was evident in the shocked expressions of both teams.
Play was halted momentarily as players gathered around to check on Cherian and ensure there were no injuries. Thankfully, the bowler escaped without a scratch, and after a brief inspection, he gave a thumbs-up to signal that he was okay. Aashiq, visibly shaken by the incident, immediately went over to apologise, and the two shared a moment of sportsmanship that drew warm applause from the spectators.
What made the moment all the more surreal was the fact that it happened during a critical juncture of the game. Chepauk Super Gillies were behind the required rate and looking to accelerate, with Aashiq taking the lead in the assault. The broken bat forced him to switch equipment, and it took him a few deliveries to regain his rhythm. Eventually, his efforts were in vain as the Super Gillies fell short in the chase, but the bat incident remained the talking point of the evening.
Social media was abuzz soon after the match, with clips of the flying bat going viral. Memes, reactions, and slowed-down replays of the moment flooded cricket forums, with fans expressing amazement at the rare occurrence. Cricket experts weighed in as well, noting the importance of equipment safety and quality control in franchise leagues, where powerful hitting has become the norm.
Such incidents, while rare, serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of the sport. Though bat injuries were fortunately avoided, the event underscored the risks players face, even in the most unexpected ways. The TNPL has always been a platform for rising talent and entertaining cricket, and moments like these—equal parts dramatic and unusual—only add to its growing legacy.
As for Aashiq and Cherian, both will likely laugh about the moment in hindsight, but for a few seconds under the floodlights, a piece of broken bat willow nearly turned a cricket match into something far more serious.