Six possible reasons why India fails to produce high-quality umpires
The seventh match between RCB and MI in the ongoing IPL saw a major howler by the umpire as a crucial no-ball was overlooked with RCB needing 6 off the last ball to take it to the super-over.
If the umpire was active or had even checked it with the 3rd umpire, the result could have entirely been different as AB de Villiers would take the strike on the final legal delivery. It is understood that the umpire even missed a couple of other no-balls and a wide in the match. If the international umpires from India are committing errors of this stature, then imagine the quality that is brewing at the local tournaments and in the division leagues.
The umpiring has been a concern from India’s perspective for quite some time now. India has failed to produce quality umpires over the years. On the other hand, every year Australia, England, and South Africa continue to keep producing high-quality umpires.
Despite being a powerhouse in world cricket, BCCI has somewhere failed in the umpiring domain. Even Pakistan and Srilanka have produced high-quality umpires that have won the “Umpire of the Year” several times.
Kumar Dharmasena is currently the active holder of the David Sheppard trophy. In the past, Aleem Dar from Pakistan has won the prestigious trophy for 3 continuous years.
To worsen things for BCCI and India, 23 out of 40 Umpires are set to retire within the next year due to the retirement policy of BCCI. The intricacies haven’t been looked carefully by the BCCI in the past and it might take a lot more time to improve the structure of umpiring at the very core.
So where does the fundamental problem lie with India that we aren’t able to produce high-quality international umpires despite being a powerhouse in world cricket?
#1 Carelessness from BCCI
Earlier this season when the Ranji Trophy ended, It was reported that 18 new umpires were hired for India’s premier domestic tournament without the mandatory medical test. The BCCI cited “lack of time” for skipping this important part of the procedure of recruitment. The umpires didn't undergo any kind of fitness tests, cardio tests for a tournament of such great importance.
These tests are of primary importance in the Australian Umpiring system. The Australian umpiring committee is very serious about tracking umpires' off-field factors such as mental health, fitness, nutrition, and sleep patterns. All the data and statistics are used to craft a comprehensive picture of an umpire's performance.
Of the 18 officials who did duty at the 2011 World Cup, five were from Australia - the largest representation by any nation on the tournament panel.
Currently, on the ICC’s elite panel there is only one Indian - S Ravi. He was the one who overlooked the Malinga no-ball.
Having umpires without tracking their off-field behaviors could mean a relaxation in the umpire’s attitude and will make them more prone to making mistakes. The Unfit umpires could get tired very soon in a 4-day long tournament and the ability to focus for longer periods of time will certainly not be ideal.