The Article will look into the vital role and crucial powers of cricket umpires in international cricket matches. Article also will look into an error in judgement by senior umpire Kumar Dharmasena in the ongoing 5th Test match in the Anderson- Tendulkar Trophy.
The Crucial Role of Cricket Umpires: Powers, Decisions & the Dharmasena Controversy
Cricket, a century old game became popular for the skillful and talented traits of the two key role holders of the game, the batsmen and the bowlers. Players are always on the limelight for their contribution in the game, but there is also an important character in the game – The Two Umpires.
The cricket umpire role is of the silent player in the game of cricket. They are the authority who governs the entire proceedings in the game. They are the final authority along with the third umpire and the match referee who are responsible for the smooth conduct of the game.
The umpires are involved every ball in the game, be it the legality of the delivery, an appeal from the fielding side for an LBW shout or when the umpire takes the call of using technology to affirm their decision (DRS). Umpires do play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and flow of the game.
This article explores the cricket umpire role, their powers on the field, and dives into the controversy involving Kumar Dharmasena during the 5th Test between India and England.
Cricket Umpire Role – Lets’ understand
For a novice, the cricket umpire’s role is not just restricted to give a person ‘out’ by lifting a finger or by shaking his head to give a ‘not out’. Umpires are the responsible authority to direct the game of cricket according to the laws of the game. They enforce the rules of the game, they manage the game to be played at a certain pace and ensure the game is played fair.
In an international cricket game, there are two on field umpires and 1 third umpire who is also called the the TV umpire who helps the on-field umpire make a decision using Tv technology.
There is also a match referee who overseas the game at a macrolevel.
Powers of the Cricket Umpire – Under the Laws of Cricket
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodian of cricket’s Laws, outlines several significant responsibilities and authorities vested in umpires:
- Decision-Making Power
Umpires are responsible for making vital decisions on dismissals—such as catches, LBW, and run-outs—as well as calls on no-balls, wides, and boundaries. These decisions stand unless successfully challenged through the Decision Review System (DRS). - Monitoring Playing Conditions
It is the umpires’ duty to ensure compliance with the ICC’s playing regulations, including over limitations, acceptable light levels, fielding positions, and the condition of the ball. - Time Management
Umpires oversee match timing, including scheduled intervals like drinks breaks, lunch, and tea. They also track over rates and have the authority to penalize teams for delays. - Suspension or Abandonment of Play
In cases of poor weather, inadequate lighting, or unsafe pitch conditions, umpires hold the authority to halt or abandon play to ensure player safety. - Disciplinary Oversight
Following the ICC Code of Conduct, umpires can formally report players for misconduct and, in cases of severe (Level 4) violations, even direct them to leave the field. - Referrals to the Third Umpire
For decisions that are too close to call, on-field umpires can refer to the third umpire, who uses video replays and technology to make a final ruling.
Evolution of Modern Umpiring -cricket umpire role
In the past, umpires decision was called final decision which was made on field. While umpiring entails human error, umpires did make mistakes while giving decisions. Test matches and series have turned on its head with faulty umpiring calls in the past. To reduce error in umpiring, technology was introduced and even though not 100%, it has helped cricket games far less error prone than in the past.
Technology like DRS and ball-tracking has improved the quality of decision making. Unlike in the past where decision was given in a matter of seconds, now majority decision believed to be doubtful is replayed, debated, and dissected on television and social media, placing enormous pressure on umpires.
The Dharmasena episode is a perfect example of a simple gesture becoming controversial. The cricket umpire role has become more tensed and demanding than ever.
What happened in the 5th Test with umpire Kumar Dharmasena that made headlines
In the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, during the 5th Test match on day one at the Oval a largely innocent gesture from umpire Kumar Dharmasena sparked a huge debate on umpire’s role in terms of what to do and what not to do.
On Day 1, India’s Sai Sudharsan got rapped on the pads, prompting a strong LBW appeal by England’s bowler. Dharmasena an experienced umpire from Sri Lanka and a former player himsellf, made a great call of denying the appeal and calling it ‘not out’. While in first glance, it was difficult to know what happened during the delivery, England nevertheless was bemused by the umpires’ call. Till here everything went by the book.
What happened next, raised a few eyebrows.
In the act of denying the appeal, Dharmasena hand gestured suggesting there was bat involved to the bowler.
England, did not take the DRS call. While this was a very honest reaction on a real time basis, critics suggest that the umpire should have not hinted on the ball hitting the bat first.
Did the England captain Ollie Pope interpret this gesture, and was influenced not to waste a DRS review?
While many have criticized Dharmasena, some have given him the benefit of the doubt as an impulse reaction, normally done pre-DRS time by umpires.
While Umpires remain neutral in gestures or comments, this gesture unfortunately would have helped England to not waste their review and would have gone against the spirit of impartiality.
According to the ICC Umpire Code of Conduct, on-field officials must not signal outcomes before the DRS window closes.
Conclusion: Sometimes a cricket umpire role is a thankless job
Nobody remembers an umpires’ brilliant on-field decision, but everyone remembers the mistakes of the umpire in the match. Sometimes, it truly is a thankless job.
The cricket umpire role requires absolute knowledge on the rules of the game , Umpires need to be neutral at all times and not lose concentration over the course of the entire match. Umpires are human and could err in occasions.
The Dharmasena incident could have taken an ugly turn if that gesture had influenced the final result of the game.
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