The dubious dismissal of Karnataka opener Prakhar Chaturvedi in the recent Col. CK Nayudu Trophy U23 final against Uttar Pradesh has raised concerns about the standards of umpiring in domestic matches. (More Cricket News)
The unsavoury incident happened in Karnataka바카라™s first innings after Chaturvedi played a pull against UP pacer Kunal Tyagi well away from his body.
The ball, which took a rather healthy edge off Chaturvedi바카라™s bat, moved further away from stumper Aaradhya Yadav who had to make a full-length dive to his left to make the collection.
But the ball rolled out of Yadav바카라™s gloves before he could complete the catch even as the wicketkeeper thudded on to the ground.
However, the on-field umpire upheld the appeal for caught behind much to the dismay of batter Chaturvedi, who made 33 and 86 in Karnataka바카라™s maiden victory in the tournament which came by virtue of their first innings lead here at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
바카라śYes, it was a clear case of not out as I later saw the clippings. The ball came out of UP wicketkeeper바카라™s hands before he completed the catch. The umpire should not have given it out,바카라ť a former First-Class umpire told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
바카라śIt is important to maintain top standards because these junior tournaments are stepping stones for several budding cricketers. Imagine how bad that boy (Chaturvedi) would have felt after spending close to an hour at the crease, only to get out like that.
"Also, umpiring standards have a direct relation with the overall quality of a match,바카라ť he said.
So, how can one ensure consistency and high level of accuracy in domestic umpiring?
바카라śThe BCCI has laid out some strict parameters in the umpires바카라™ selection process and many state associations themselves have umpires associations working hard to ensure a good level of officiating.
바카라śBut I feel former cricketers should be encouraged to take up umpiring as they know the game closer than anyone else. We have had S Venkataraghavan, Peter Willey, David Shepherd and Dickie Bird who were excellent umpires as they leaned on their experience from their playing days,바카라ť he added.
Recently, former India batter Manoj Tiwary had lashed out at poor standards of umpiring in domestic cricket.
Another former First-Class batter said instances of umpires making childish mistakes were quite common in domestic circuit.
바카라śIt is quite common, especially in junior cricket. But in one Ranji (Trophy) match, I was hit on my hips and the umpire gave that out leg before. I was 48 then. I brushed it aside, thinking that mistakes can happen to anyone.
바카라śBut in the next innings, when I was batting on 45, the same umpire gave me out caught behind off a left-arm spinner when my bat was tucked safely behind my pads while leaving the ball. Even the silly point fielder could not hide his surprise,바카라ť he noted.
There have been initiatives like the umpiring academy in Nagpur to better the standards but the lack of continuity has been the bane.
바카라śThose were good ideas but somehow did not take off as expected. There is an ICC online course too for the umpires.
바카라śBut beyond all these, the board should increase remuneration for umpires and should also ensure that First-Class umpires officiate at state level or even some local matches so that there is no gap between the assignments and they remain sharp,바카라ť the umpire detailed.
