IPL 2018: Poor umpiring decisions exasperates the viewers

Indian cricket escalated to another level in various aspects thanks to the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) a decade ago. Cricketers these days are a lot more inventive and daring whilst the bowlers are still trying to figure out ways to prevent players like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and some others from making a mockery of them.

The 11th edition also saw the introduction of a new concept in the IPL, the Decision Review System. After long contemplation, which nearly lasted a decade, the BCCI decided to use DRS in every format of the game and they have brought this into play even for IPL. Teams are using the DRS to optimum effect and this also brought into fray some very poor umpiring decisions.

In the game between Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders, Andrew Tye was penalized for over-stepping in the 6th over. But the replays suggested that Tye had some part of his heel behind the popping crease, which didn’t go down well with the fast bowler and also his skipper. They tried debating on it, but the no-ball was eventually given.

Twitterati unhappy with the quality of Umpiring

There was a severe outrage on social media ever since the incident took place. Umpire Abhijit Deshmukh got it all wrong and was trolled and criticized severely. This wasn’t the first time when the umpires failed to get the right decision, so the outrage is not completely an impulsive reaction.

In the game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, Robin Uthappa edged the ball straight to Saha, but the umpire felt there no knick. When the SRH opted for DRS, there was a huge edge and Uthappa had to walk back. Given there was no DRS, Uthappa would’ve romped his way to a big knock and the result would’ve been so different.

Even in the game between RCB and Mumbai at the Wankhede, a controversial moment occurred when the third umpire didn’t overturn the on-field decision despite finding some evidence that Hardik Pandya had edged the ball. A fumed Twitterati expressed its dissent and the quality of umpiring was condemned.

Here are a few tweets:

It’s not a No Ball. Free Hit for nothing. C’mon, can the third-umpire not step in? Make it possible please. #Tye #KKRvKXIP #IPL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 21, 2018

No ball for free. Poor umpiring #KKRvKXIP

— Harkamal Singh (@patientwolf14) April 21, 2018

Why third umpire can't tell on field umpire that, "I have seen it on TV screen & it's not a no ball. So pls revert ur decision". It's so easy for him to do it & also doesn't consume time. Such small things do matter @ICC @BCCI ! It can cost huge. Pls ?? #IPL2018 #KKRvKXIP

— Saurabh Shinde (@imsgshinde) April 21, 2018

You use the help of the TV umpire to check whether it is a no ball or not when a batsman is out. Why can't it be used when a no ball is wrongly given? The bowler has to go through the free-hit punishment next ball. Bowlers are truly second class citizens of cricket.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) April 21, 2018

It’s not a no ball, WHAT THE HELL

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) April 21, 2018