Indian umpire S Ravi replaces Aleem Dar for the Chennai ODI

Indian umpire S Ravi replaces Aleem Dar for the Chennai ODI: Sundaram Ravi, the only representative from India in the Elite panel of ICC umpires has been named as Aleem Dar’s replacement for the Chennai ODI. The ICC had earlier withdrawn Pakistani umpire Dar from the remainder of the limited-overs series between India and South Africa because of ‘extremist’ threats. Now, with very little time to make alternate arrangements, ICC has chosen Ravi, who is based in Chennai.

It has to be kept in mind that Shiv Sena had launched an attack on Monday at the BCCI office to disrupt scheduled talks for resuming ties between India and Pakistan.

The move has led to one of the unique instances where ICC has gone back on the neutral umpire policy and field two ‘home’ umpires for a game. As per the ICC norms, one neutral umpire is a must in any bilateral series but in the Chennai ODI, both the on-field officials will be from the host country.

“Due to the close proximity of fixtures Sundaram Ravi, a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, had previously been selected for the Pakistan versus England series, but will now stand in the fourth ODI between India and South Africa in Chennai on Thursday. Because of exceptional circumstances, both the BCCI and CSA have agreed that two Indian umpires will stand in this game,” a statement from ICC read.

The move has also resulted in shuffling of umpires for the Pakistan-England series where Ravi was officiating.

“As a result, there are changes to the Pakistan-England series. Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel will be on the on-field umpires for the second Test which starts in Dubai on Thursday, while Chris Gaffaney has been named as the TV umpire. Oxenford and Gaffaney will stand in the third Test in Sharjah, with Reiffel named as TV umpire. The ICC appreciates the cooperation of all four Boards in facilitating the changes; the BCCI, CSA, PCB and ECB,” the statement further said.

Even Pakistani commentators, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar have pulled out from the fifth and final match of the series in Mumbai.