New Delhi: ICC's proposal to have the ‘leg before wicket’ decisions referred to third umpires by batsmen has evoked a strong reaction from former player and umpire S Venkatraghavan.
Venkatraghavan, who officiated in 73 Tests and 52 one-dayers, says instead of resorting to the TV umpire for every decision, the ICC should put in place quality umpires to
minimise chances of a wrong decision.
He also said ICC must not hesitate to pull up umpires if they make too many mistakes.
"I am a traditionalist and in my opinion, the ICC should put in place the best umpires instead of coming up with such proposals," he said.
"A player has to accept the decisions given by the on field umpire. After all there are certain rules wherein the on field umpires can seek the assistance of the third umpire
before declaring a player dismissed for stumping, run outs and even for catches taken on the boundary line.
"These are perfectly alright but I am not able to accept the fact that the leg before decision will also be referred to the third umpire. Such a rule will reduce the on field umpires to dummies," he said.
"If this rule change is accepted it would mean that every jurisdiction is given to the third umpire.
"It amounts to having the game held without on field umpires, who could eventually be termed as dummies and robots.
That will take the charm out of the game. I think I have officiated during the best of times when the game was played as per the laws of the game."
The former Test player hoped better sense would prevail and ICC would decide against introducing the proposal.
"I only hope that better counsel prevails on the decision makers. There were instances when umpires looked weird with all those extra gadgets given to them. These were given to avoid the extraneous noises coming in to play. This was also given up," Venkatraghavan said.
"The on field umpires should be pulled up if they commit too many mistakes. After all 129 years of Test cricket has survived without these new rule changes now thought of. The ICC will be wronged if they recommend that the third umpire should take all decisions."
Asked if he was in favour of dismissal by way of lbw being done away with altogether, he said, "lbw rule cannot be removed from the laws of the game. The general grouse is whether the ball pitched in line with the stumps.
"That is the most important aspect because the laws of the game say that if the ball pitches outside the leg stump, the batsman cannot be given out.
"To that extent, may be, if the on field umpire has a doubt, he could seek the help of the third umpire before giving his decision. But there are other aspects like deviation and the height of the ball which come into the picture."
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