In this edition of the IPL, there has been a lot of debate over the quality of umpiring. Fans, as well as the teams, believe that the umpiring standards have not been up to the mark, and they have not shied away from expressing the same on-field, as well as off the field.
Several captains such as MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as well as players, have had altercations with the umpires, expressing their displeasure if they feel the decision has not gone in their favour. The most recent incident pertaining to it occurred when the Royal Challengers Bangalore side took on the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the 20th over of the first innings, English umpire Nigel Llong called a no-ball off Umesh Yadav’s bowling, when they replay cleared showed his foot was behind the line. Kohli could not hide his anguish and was seen showing his displeasure on the decision.
Llong, who is a part of the ICC Elite Panel of umpires was not pleased with the players showing their displeasure on his call. According to eyewitnesses, as Llong walked back to the pavilion, kicked the door of the umpire’s room in anger, damaging it in process.
The English umpire spoke to the KSCA officials and had to pay Rs 5000 as compensation towards the damages.
Llong is also scheduled to officiate in the finals of the IPL, was also umpiring in the rain-hit match between RCB and RR where the match was reduced to 5 overs per side. The bowlers were allowed to bowl one over each, whereas the IPL rule states that in a match reduced to 5 to 9 overs per side, a bowler is allowed to bowl a maximum of two overs.
