Greatest Player vs Umpire Rivalries In History Of Cricket

Not many realise that a lot in the match is in the umpire’s hand, or fingers quite literally! A wrong decision made by the umpire can cost an entire match to the team. It might also irk the fans and remain etched in their minds for a long period of time. Cricket has seen its fair share of player vs umpire rivalries. Some of them have been hard to forget while others faded away with time. Let us have a look at a few greatest player vs umpire rivalries in history of cricket.

Ian Gould vs Sachin Tendulkar

Umpire Ian Gould infamously ruled a decision against Sachin Tendulkar in the 2011 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan. However, Sachin Tendulkar got a life, after reviewing the decision which showed the ball pitching outside off, impact in line but and the ball missing the leg-stump. It was one of the many chances Sachin Tendulkar got in the match as he went on to score a match-winning 85.

Years from now, Ian Gould still sticks to his decision. He had recently said that if he had to take a call again, he would still give it out.

“When I gave him out at Mohali, I’m thinking this is out. I will sit here and guarantee you, if I see it again, I’d still give it out, simple as that. He talked to Gambhir and looked like he was going to walk out, and I’m thinking thank God for that, then he spun on his heels and made that T sign and the world stopped,” Gould told BBC 5 Live Sport.

The decision made my Gould and the controversy broke out in the 11th over of the match bowled by Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Rudi Koertzen vs Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara was onsong to hit a double century against Australia in a Test match back in 2007. The gem of a knock from Sangakkara also gave slim hopes to Sri Lanka off leveling the series against the Australians. But while the Sri Lankan top order batsman was batting on 192, Sangakkara missed out on a pull shot off Stuart Clark as the ball hit his shoulder, and ended into the safe arms of Ricky Ponting. The Australians quickly went on to appeal and Rudi Koertzen was quick to rule him out.

Later Koertzen collected a lot of flak from the fans for his poor decision. He also apologised to Sagakkara saying, “Rudi came and said sorry to him,” Mahela Jayawardene said. “But that’s it. Kumar being Kumar was fine with it. He was very disappointed at the particular moment, but when you sit back after half an hour, you know it’s a mistake made by a human and that’s it.”

Sangakkar had also came out to defend Koertzen who was under fire. “If the umpire makes a decision, whichever way it goes, we should be humble enough to accept that and play cricket. If they do make mistakes, you get on with the game,” the former wicket-keeper batsman had said.

Steve Bucknor vs Sachin Tendulkar

Steve Bucknor was always on the receiving end for his wrong decisions against India and he had given quite a few. Sachin Tendulkar had been the victim of his wrong decisions a few times with one of the worst coming at the 2003 Brisbane Test.

India had lost two early wickets during the Test match with the scoreboard reading 62/2. Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie was in fine touch and testing Sachin Tendulkar with his out-swingers. One of the in-swinging delivery caught Tendulkar on the front as Australia went up to appeal in unison. Steve Bucknor ruled him out as Tendulkar had to take the long back to pavilion with opening his scoresheet.