IPL 2020: Umpire Anil Chaudhary sparks controversy by allegedly influencing DRS call

Anil Chaudhary, the on-field umpire in the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC), got himself tangled in controversy. At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, on Tuesday, October 27, he might have influenced SRH skipper David Warner to not go for the Decision Review System (DRS) during the fag end of the match, which the Sunrisers won by 88 runs.

During the 17th over of DC’s run-chase, a full-length delivery from Sandeep Sharma smashed Ravi Ashwin, who tried to flick the ball on the leg side, on the pads. The Sunrisers’ players appealed in unison, but the shout was turned down by Chaudhary. Thereafter, Chaudhary tapped on his knuckles, suggesting that Ashwin had gotten an inside-edge. The fielders didn’t go for the DRS.

The decision was inconsequential though as the game was all over bar the shouting. However, the commentators, Scott Styris, Sanjay Bangar and Brett Lee reckoned that Chaudhary was absent-minded and made the error in judgement.

“Should the umpire be doing that? Standing there saying ‘bat’? With the ability now of teams to have reviews, should he be giving a cue to the players? When we played before DRS was around, we would often see umpires do that, and there was no problem because he was then helping the fielding team out as to say why it was given not out – ‘I believe he hit it’. But now, with the DRS,” Styris said.

What does the rule-book say on Anil Chaudhary’s actions?

If the pages of the rule-book are turned, players aren’t allowed to consult the umpires before taking a DRS review. There’s no mention of an umpire sending information or suggestions to the players either.

Article 3.2.3 of IPL’s playing conditions says, “Under no circumstances is any player permitted to query an umpire about any aspect of a decision before deciding on whether or not to request a Player Review.”

“If the on-field umpires believe that the captain or either batsman has received direct or indirect input emanating other than from the players on the field, then they may at their discretion, decline the request for a Player Review. In particular, signals from the dressing room must not be given. Breach of this provision will be liable for reporting under COC.”

As far as the match goes, DC were bowled out for 131 in 19 overs after Rashid Khan’s stupendous spell of 4-0-7-3. For SRH, Wriddhiman Saha and David Warner sparkled with knocks of 87 and 66 respectively.