Umpiring decisions are meant to be impartial and accurate, but in the long history of cricket, some calls have sparked debates that continue to echo through the sport. From misjudged LBWs to contentious run-outs, these moments remind us that cricket, despite the advancements in technology, can still be subject to human error. Here, we look at the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions that Changed Cricket History, decisions that not only impacted games but also left a lasting mark on the sport. Listing below is in the tabulated form of Top 10 Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions that Changed Cricket History:
Summary Table
| Umpire | Controversial Decision | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Bucknor | Wrongly gave Sourav Ganguly out during 2008 Sydney Test | Heightened tensions between India and Australia |
| Darrell Hair | Accused Pakistan of ball tampering in 2006 Oval Test | Pakistan forfeited the match |
| Daryl Harper | Incorrect ‘umpire’s call’ against Sachin Tendulkar, 2011 | Criticism of umpiring standards |
| Rudi Koertzen | Wrong decisions in 2008 Sydney Test | Led to calls for better umpiring |
| Aleem Dar | Didn’t give Stuart Broad out in 2013 Ashes | Significant fan backlash |
| Billy Bowden | Incorrect decision against Sachin Tendulkar in 2011 WC | Controversy in a crucial World Cup semifinal |
| Asad Rauf | Incorrect decision in 2012 SL vs Pakistan Test | Debate over need for better technology |
| Simon Taufel | Incorrect LBW decision in India vs Pakistan, 2008 | Questioned Taufel’s accuracy |
| Aleem Dar (again) | Awarded controversial six runs in 2019 World Cup final | Impacted the outcome of the final |
| Marais Erasmus | Inaction during 2018 ball-tampering scandal | Criticism of handling the scandal |
These controversial moments have shaped cricket’s history, showing how a single umpiring decision can influence the outcome of a match, spark debate, and even change the rules of the game itself.
Here’s the list of Top 10 Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions that Changed Cricket History:
1. Wrongly gave Sourav Ganguly out during 2008 Sydney Test
Steve Bucknor, a West Indian umpire, is infamous for one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions in the 2008 Sydney Test. His wrong ‘caught behind’ decision against Sourav Ganguly shocked everyone. This mistake significantly affected India’s chances in the game, sparking huge criticism.
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2. Accused Pakistan of ball tampering in 2006 Oval Test
Darrell Hair made one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions when he accused Pakistan of ball tampering in 2006. The incident led to Pakistan forfeiting the Test match. Hair’s judgment faced massive backlash, and the fallout from this decision altered the perception of ball tampering in cricket.
3. Incorrect ‘umpire’s call’ against Sachin Tendulkar, 2011
Daryl Harper became famous for one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions during the 2011 India vs. Pakistan match. He wrongly gave Sachin Tendulkar out on an umpire’s call. This decision angered Indian fans and exposed weaknesses in the use of technology for umpiring.
4. Wrong decisions in 2008 Sydney Test
Rudi Koertzen was also responsible for one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions in the same 2008 Sydney Test. He wrongly gave Rahul Dravid out, intensifying tensions between India and Australia. Fans and experts widely criticized Koertzen for his role in that series.
5. Didn’t give Stuart Broad out in 2013 Ashes
Aleem Dar’s decision to not give Stuart Broad out in the 2013 Ashes is another of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions. Despite clearly edging the ball, Broad was given not out, causing uproar. This moment remains one of the most hotly debated umpiring calls in Ashes history.
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6. Incorrect decision against Sachin Tendulkar in 2011 WC
Billy Bowden made one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions during the 2011 World Cup semifinal. He gave Sachin Tendulkar out LBW, but the decision was overturned after a review. The initial call sparked anger among Indian fans and could have altered the outcome of the game.
7. Incorrect decision in 2012 SL vs Pakistan Test
Asad Rauf’s wrong decision against Mahela Jayawardene in 2012 was one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions in recent times. He gave the Sri Lankan captain out without conclusive evidence. This incident renewed calls for better use of technology in umpiring.
8. Incorrect LBW decision in India vs Pakistan, 2008
Simon Taufel, despite being one of the best umpires, made one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions in 2008. He wrongly gave Misbah-ul-Haq out, even though the ball hit his shoulder. This decision raised questions about the accuracy of even top umpires like Taufel.
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9. Awarded controversial six runs in 2019 World Cup final
Aleem Dar’s controversial six-run decision in the 2019 World Cup final is one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions in recent cricket history. The decision to award six runs to England after a deflection off Ben Stokes’ bat divided fans and may have influenced the outcome of the final.
10. Inaction during 2018 ball-tampering scandal
Marais Erasmus was involved in one of the Most Controversial Umpiring Decisions during the 2018 Australia-South Africa Test. His failure to act during the ball-tampering scandal involving Australian players was heavily criticized. The decision not to intervene stained his reputation and the match.
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