Let’s welcome ‘referrals’ in cricket

By Rajadhyax

Arguably the toughest job in cricket is umpiring. One bad decision in a crucial match can land an umpire into serious trouble that includes bad publicity. A much bigger sin could still leave a batsman or a bowler untouched by punishment. We simply do not want to accept that an umpire is afterall a human being and can make a genuine error once in a while. That is not to say that repeated offenders must go scot-free or Messer Shakoor Rana, Daryl Hair or Steve Bucknor must be decorated for their service to cricket. But the fact remains that umpiring careers could be jeopardised and reputations could be crucified even due to truly human errors. There has to be some way in which all embarrassment could be avoided and controversies over umpiring decisions kept at bay.

In come the ICC trouble shooters and their referral system. Though no one wants technology to dominate cricket and I would never recommend replacing the umpires by digital gadgets, we need to use newer techniques to assist the umpires in their work. This is where the system of referrals that is being used in Test cricket on a trial basis can be of utmost use. It blends together umpire’s assistance with the use of the best available technology to reduce the unnecessary controversies that dog the game.

When the batting or fielding team is convinced that they want a second look at a particular decision, they have to ask the umpire to refer it to the Third umpire sitting outside. He is then allowed to use television replays from different angles and other reliable technologies to guide the on-field umpire. ‘Hawk Eye’ or ‘Snick-o-meter’ are not yet being made part of this but once these technologies become flawless they too would be considered. The ball tracking technology used in Grand Slam tennis by the ATP can have a lot of utility in cricket too. A lot of things can still be confirmed in the referral.

Did the ball pitch outside the line of the leg stump, in case of LBW appeals? Did the ball hit the bat first in case of LBW appeals on a bat-pad impact? Did the ball touch the ground in case of catches held close to the ground? Did the fielder touch the boundary rope while catching or stopping a ball? Such questions are already being sorted out in these referrals. Close run-outs and stumpings are already being decided by the Third umpire with the help of television replays. I am sure, with more technologies coming in it will include the remaining decisions as well. Even no-balls could be called by a beeper provided to the field umpire.

This will reduce the stress and tension of being a cricket umpire. This will help the umpire to relax and make better decisions. They will be able to focus more on the job at hand. Most umpires will gain in confidence due to such help. Some decisions can be referred by the field umpires while some can even be referred by the players. This reduces chances of bad decisions sealing the fate of the match. After all no losing side or its supporters want the end of the match do be decided by a gross mistake. And the worse nightmare for a cricketer is to have his entire career jeopardised by a couple of rash errors made by an incompetent umpire.

There used to be heated arguments and penalties in tennis due to close line calls going against players at crucial junctures. From John McEnroe to Serena Williams, we know how ugly it became some times. ATP woke up and took action on it. Their solution also uses cutting edge technology. Now, the way line calls are being put for referrals in tennis by the ATP, it is appreciable that the ICC is doing the same in cricket. I for one, welcome this change for its good effects. And what about you!