Cricket, often referred to as the gentleman's game, is not just about bat and ball; it is also about rules, decisions, and the pivotal role of the umpires. One of the most intriguing aspects of cricket is the concept of "Umpire's Call," a term that has sparked debates and discussions among players, fans, and cricket experts alike.
Here we have explained what Umpire's Call in Cricket is about and why it plays a crucial role in the sport.
Decision Review System (DRS)
The Decision Review System (DRS), a technology-driven tool, was introduced in cricket to assist the on-field umpires with making more accurate decisions and reducing the number of incorrect decisions. DRS allows teams to challenge on-field decisions by referring them to a third umpire who uses various technological tools, such as ball-tracking, hotspot, and edge-detection systems, to review the decision.
The DRS system was first used in a Test match in 2008, first used in a One Day International in January 2011, and used in a T20 International in October 2017.
What is Umpire's Call?
The umpire's call is a crucial aspect of the DRS. It refers to the on-field umpire's original decision being upheld when a player challenges it through a review. Understanding the umpire's call is essential for players and spectators to grasp the game's dynamics and the role of technology in decision-making.
Why Umpire's Call?
The introduction of the Umpire's Call in DRS decisions is aimed at maintaining the balance between technology and the on-field umpire's judgment. Cricket has long cherished the game's human element, where umpires make decisions based on their expertise and intuition.
Since the technology used in the DRS has a margin of error, the on-field umpire's original decision is considered valid if the technology cannot conclusively overturn it. Simply put, the on-field umpire is given the benefit of the doubt.
When is Umpire's Call Used?
The concept of Umpire's Call comes into play primarily in two situations:
1. LBW (Leg Before Wicket) Decisions: When a bowler delivers a ball that hits the batter's leg or pad instead of the bat, the fielding team can appeal for an LBW. Umpires have to judge whether the ball would have hit the stumps if it hadn't hit the leg or pad. Accordingly, they give the batter out or not out.
2. Caught Behind Decisions: In cases where the fielding team believes a batter has edged the ball and the on-field umpire rules not out, they can review the decision.
Also read: Impact Player, Toss Rules, Wides and No-balls Rules
Umpire's Call Explained
When a player challenges the umpire's decision, the third umpire reviews the footage and makes a judgment based on the available technology. If the decision is deemed to be "out" or "not out," it can fall into one of three categories:
1. Out: The technology shows that the ball would have hit the stumps, and the on-field umpire's decision was "out." The player is given out in this case, and the on-field umpire's decision is upheld.
2. Not Out: The technology shows that the ball would have missed the stumps, and the on-field umpire's decision was "not out." In this case, the player is not out, and the on-field umpire's decision is upheld.
3. Umpire's Call: The technology shows that the ball would have hit the stumps, but the on-field umpire's decision was "not out" (or vice versa). In this case, the player is not out, and the on-field umpire's decision is upheld.
Impact on the Game
The umpire's call can significantly impact the outcome of a match. If a player is given out based on the technology's assessment, it can be a game-changer. On the other hand, if a player is not given out due to the umpire's call, it can be a source of frustration for the opposing team.
Role of Umpires in Cricket
Umpires are the custodians of the game's rules and fair play. They are responsible for making critical decisions during a match, such as judging whether a batter is out or not, whether a delivery is a no-ball or a wide, and many other on-field situations. Their decisions are made based on the Laws of Cricket, which provide guidelines on how the game should be played. However, cricket is a complex sport, and some situations can be challenging to adjudicate.
Conclusion
The umpire's call is a unique aspect of modern cricket that reflects the sport's attempt to embrace technology while respecting its traditions. It acknowledges the critical role of on-field umpires and their decision-making expertise while recognizing the value of technology in achieving more accurate results.
However, this concept has been a source of debate and controversy. Critics argue that Umpire's Call can be inconsistent and sometimes unfair. It has been compared to a "gray area" that can lead to different outcomes in similar situations. Some have even suggested that it should be eliminated to ensure greater consistency.
As cricket evolves, finding the right balance between technology and the human element will remain challenging for the sport's governing bodies.
