IPL 2024
Three most shocking umpiring decisions in Indian T20 League history
An umpire’s role in any cricket game is very important for the proceedings.
An umpire’s role in any cricket game is very important for the proceedings. While the umpires don’t get many decisions wrong these days due to the assistance of technology, some decisions have left the fans questioning their skills. The Indian T20 League, the most popular league, has also seen some bizarre decisions. In this article, we will look at some of the most shocking decisions made by umpires in the history of the Indian T20 League.
#1 No ball reversed- Chennai vs Rajasthan, 2019
Indian T20 League (Source: Twitter)
In a thrilling game, Chennai needed 8 runs in the final 3 balls of Ben Stokes‘ final over. In the dugouts and on the field, there was a lot of anxiety. Ulhase Gandhe, the on-field umpire, signalled a no-ball after Ravindra Jadeja scored two runs, further escalating the situation.
However, the decision was reversed, eliminating the extra run and the free-hit, which caused a great deal of confusion. MS Dhoni, the captain, stormed onto the field as Jadeja made angry gestures toward the umpires, starting a heated argument. Many questions were raised, and Dhoni received a great deal of criticism for his actions, due to the umpire’s poor decision-making.
#2 Overlooking conclusive evidence- Bangalore vs Punjab, 2021
Indian T20 League (Source: Twitter)
Many people were confused and enraged by a decision made by the third umpire during the second phase of the Indian T20 League 2021 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The third umpire was consulted regarding a caught-behind appeal. Despite the obvious proof, TV umpire Krishnamachari Srinivasan indicated that Devdutt Paddikal was not out.
KL Rahul, the captain of Punjab, and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi had previously chosen to request a review of the on-field umpire’s judgement. Everyone was shocked by the third umpire’s subsequent decision. The error was described as “unforgivable” by experts like Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Scott Styris. Styris continued by asserting that Srinivasan deserved to be fired.
#3 Front foot no-ball controversy- Bangalore vs Mumbai, 2019
Indian T20 League (Source: Twitter)
Bangalore had to get an intimidating total of 188 in a close chase against the Mumbai team. Despite vice-captain AB de Villiers’ heroic 70*(41), they were outscored by only six runs. However, if a significant error had been discovered, the game’s outcome might have been different.
The cameras revealed that Lasith Malinga had bowled a no-ball after the game’s final ball was bowled. Undoubtedly, Kohli was enraged by the umpire’s error in judgement. We are playing at the IPL level and not playing club cricket. The umpires should have had their eyes open. That is a ridiculous call (last ball). If it is a game of margins, I don’t know what is happening. They should have been more sharp and careful out there,” he said in the post-match interview.
