Time both umpires are neutral

Published : Sep 22, 2001 00:00 IST

RANJIT FERNANDO

WITH cricket attracting so much interest among the public and the media, which in turn is translated into commercial gains to both the players and the respective Boards, it is not surprising that the rate of controversy surrounding umpiring decisions have increased too. Not that there weren't poor umpiring and mistakes in the olden days. It is just that the fuss made about it has increased by leaps and bounds.

For example, one would dare not talk of poor umpiring in the olden days. Not just the players and administrators, but even the commentators were guarded about the choice of words to describe such dismissals.

I feel the entire scenario changed after television came into the sport. While not doubting the great service it has done to the game, I must confess that it has been the cause of major controversies too.

With TV commentators having the luxury of slow motion replays, that too from different angles, the lives of umpires have grown difficult. The best example I can think of is the incident that took place during the second Test between Sri Lanka and England in Kandy.

There was a loud appeal for a bat-pad by the English fielders that was negated by the umpire concerned. Now, I can tell you that the slow motion replay given from behind the bowler's arm was inconclusive.

It was very difficult to decide and surely the umpire had to give the benefit of doubt to the batsman. But the next replay, which was from the square-leg angle, clearly showed that the ball had taken the bat and the pad.

While the TV gave that angle to the millions watching, it was not available to the man who mattered the most! Therefore he gets criticised and even branded. You see what I mean.

However, having said that, the attitude tends to change if the mistakes are made by the neutral (foreign) umpire. A wrong decision given by him is considered a human error. But if the same verdict is given by the home umpire he is seen as a cheat, incompetent and even biased.

Now, to me, that is unfair and there seems to be some imbalance in the system. To begin with, an umpire, irrespective of whether he is the visiting one or the local one, is neutral and unbiased. The passing of judgment should commence from that perception. And then, may be you can analyse each one's performance and come to your own conclusions.

The just-concluded Sri Lanka versus India Test series too saw a few doubtful decisions by the umpires. Most of the mistakes were committed by the neutral umpire, but then these didn't seem to attract much criticism. My question is: does this justify the general outlook people have towards umpiring? I say no. A mistake is a mistake. It doesn't matter who commits it.

Having analysed the scenario, I tend to think that most of the controversies involving poor decisions can be overcome by having two foreign umpires, as the criticism levelled will be of a low tone. But if the ICC were to decide to implement two foreign umpires' policy, one needs to think what might become of the local umpires.

Quite definitely the exposure and the opportunity, above all the thrill to work in front of his own crowd, will be lost. I think the big decision has to be made with cricket in mind with a considerate ear given to the individual too.

It is my belief that this problem needs to be addressed rather quickly in order to avoid further and bigger problems.

I don't envy the people who are entrusted with the responsibility of making the decision. But what I hope they will have is wisdom and wisdom abundantly.

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