Top 10 controversial umpire in ICC history infamous for their wrong decisions.

Top 10 Controversial Umpires in ICC History: Infamous for their Wrong Decisions

Introduction:

Cricket is known for its fair play, thrilling moments, and fierce competition. 

However, the sport has seen its fair share of controversial decisions made by umpires. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 ICC disputed umpires who remain notorious for their wrong decisions. 

These umpires have left a mark on the game, sometimes to the dismay of players, teams, and fans alike. Let's dive into the world of cricket and explore these controversial figures.

1. Steve Bucknor:

Steve Bucknor, a former international umpire from the West Indies, is one of the most scrutinized umpires in cricket history. 

Known for his uncompromising approach, Bucknor made several controversial decisions that sparked outrage during his career. 

One of the most notable incidents involved a highly debated 'caught behind' decision against Indian batsman Sourav Ganguly during the India vs. Australia test match in 2008.

2. Darrell Hair:

Darrell Hair, an Australian umpire, gained notoriety for his involvement in the controversial Oval Test between England and Pakistan in 2006. 

Hair accused the Pakistani team of ball tampering, resulting in a heated argument and subsequent forfeiture of the match by Pakistan. 

The decision triggered widespread outrage and debates regarding Hair's judgment and its impact on the game.

3. Daryl Harper:

Daryl Harper, an Australian umpire, was known for his inconsistent decision-making and contentious rulings during his career. 

His disagreements with players and his inability to satisfy both teams with his decisions often sparked controversies. 

One such instance involved Harper's incorrect 'umpire's call' against Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar during an India vs. Pakistan match in 2011.

4. Rudi Koertzen:

Rudi Koertzen, a South African umpire, had a long and eventful career marred by disputed decisions. 

One of the most controversial incidents took place during the 2008 Sydney test match between India and Australia. 

Koertzen's unfavorable decisions against the Indian team led to widespread criticism, highlighting the need for more accurate decision-making in the game.

5. Aleem Dar:

Aleem Dar, a Pakistani umpire often regarded as one of the best in the business, has had his fair share of controversial decisions. 

Despite his reputation, Dar has faced criticism for some of his judgments. 

Notably, his decision to give England's Stuart Broad not out during an Ashes match in 2013, despite clearly edging the ball to slip, caused an uproar among cricket fans and players.

6. Billy Bowden:

Known for his quirky demeanor and unique umpiring signals, New Zealand's Billy Bowden was involved in some contentious decisions during his career. 

However, his most infamous decision came during the 2011 World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan. 

Bowden incorrectly adjudged Sachin Tendulkar as out, causing considerable controversy and backlash.

7. Asad Rauf:

Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf gained notoriety for several questionable decisions that influenced match outcomes. 

In the 2012 test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Rauf's decision to give out Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, despite a lack of conclusive evidence, drew widespread criticism, highlighting the need for improved technology in decision-making.

8. Simon Taufel:

Simon Taufel, an Australian umpire widely respected for his accuracy and consistency, also found himself in the middle of controversies. 

In a 2008 match between India and Pakistan, Taufel's poor decision to give Pakistani batsman Misbah-ul-Haq out, even though the ball had clearly hit his shoulder, provoked heated debates and raised questions about Taufel's judgment.

9. Aleem Dar:

Though highly regarded, Aleem Dar makes another appearance on this list due to a few debatable decisions. 

In the 2019 World Cup final, his decision to award six runs to England after a fielder's deflection off a shot from Ben Stokes inadvertently touched his bat during a run resulted in immense controversy. 

This decision had a significant impact on the outcome of the match and left cricket enthusiasts divided.

10. Marais Erasmus:

Marais Erasmus, a South African umpire, has been involved in a few controversies during his career. 

One notable incident occurred during a 2018 test match between Australia and South Africa when Erasmus failed to intervene and take action against the ball-tampering actions of Australian players. 

This decision generated widespread condemnation, highlighting the importance of fair play in the game.

Conclusion:

Controversial umpires have, at times, taken center stage in cricket due to their disputed decisions. 

While the game has seen its fair share of errors made by umpires, it is essential to acknowledge that umpiring is a challenging task. 

With advancements in technology and the introduction of tools like DRS (Decision Review System), the aim is to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of decisions. 

As cricket evolves, it is our hope that controversies related to umpiring become rarer, allowing the sport to be enjoyed with utmost fairness and integrity.