Cricket is a game of nuances, where every decision made by the umpires can have a significant impact on the outcome of the match. Good umpiring can elevate the game, while poor decisions can lead to controversy and debate. In this article, we take a look at five of the most hated umpires in international cricket history, whose decisions have sparked outrage and criticism from fans and players alike.
Joel Wilson:
Joel Wilson, a 54-year-old Trinidad and Tobago native, has been at the receiving end of severe criticism for his umpiring howlers during the Ashes 2019. His incorrect decisions in the first Test led to widespread backlash, particularly from the Australian team and fans. Wilson has officiated in 21 Tests, 69 ODIs, and 27 T20Is, but his performance during the Ashes series was widely panned.
Shakoor Rana:
Shakoor Rana, a Pakistani umpire, is another umpire who has been heavily criticized for his controversial decisions. In 1987, he sparked a rivalry with English captain Mike Gatting during a Test match in Faisalabad. Rana accused Gatting of cheating, leading to an altercation between the two on the field.
Kumar Dharmasena:
Kumar Dharmasena’s mistake during the 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand was widely condemned. He awarded six runs to England when it should have been only five, which led to New Zealand being robbed of their maiden World Cup title.
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Daryl Harper:
Daryl Harper’s decision to give Sachin Tendulkar out for a duck during a Test match in Australia in 1999 sparked massive backlash from Indian fans. The decision was seen as unfair and unjust, and Harper later acknowledged that it was a difficult call to make.
Steve Bucknor:
Steve Bucknor, a veteran umpire, is perhaps the most infamous on this list. He has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including a disputed decision against Sachin Tendulkar during a Test match in Brisbane. Bucknor’s decisions have often been criticized as biased and unfair, leading to widespread outrage from fans and players.
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Umpires play a crucial role in cricket matches, and their decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. While good umpiring can elevate the game, poor decisions can lead to controversy and debate. These five umpires are just a few examples of those who have faced criticism and backlash for their decisions on the field.