Cricket, like any other sport, has witnessed its fair share of controversial decisions over the years. Here are some of the most contentious moments in cricket history:
- Bodyline Series (1932-33):
- The use of aggressive and controversial bowling tactics by the English team, known as “Bodyline” or “leg theory,” during the Ashes series against Australia sparked outrage. It led to diplomatic tensions between the two countries and changes in the laws of the game.
- Underarm Bowling Incident (1981):
- In a One Day International (ODI) match between Australia and New Zealand, with New Zealand needing six runs to tie from the final ball, the Australian captain, Greg Chappell, instructed his brother Trevor Chappell to bowl the last delivery underarm to prevent the batsman from hitting a six. This incident led to a change in the rules, banning underarm bowling in ODIs.
- Mike Gatting’s Dismissal in the 1987 World Cup Final:
- During the 1987 Cricket World Cup final between England and Australia, Mike Gatting was controversially given out caught behind. The decision had a significant impact on the match, and England ultimately lost by just seven runs.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s Dismissal in the 2003 World Cup Semifinal:
- In the 2003 Cricket World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan, Sachin Tendulkar was controversially given out caught behind by Shoaib Akhtar. The decision sparked debates and discussions, with many believing that Tendulkar was not out.
- Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Run-Out in the 1992 World Cup Final:
- In the 1992 Cricket World Cup final between Pakistan and England, Inzamam-ul-Haq was run out by a direct throw from England’s Ian Botham. The controversy arose because the third umpire was consulted for a run-out decision, a relatively new concept at the time.
- Steve Bucknor’s Umpiring in the Sydney Test (2007-08):
- The Sydney Test match between Australia and India in 2007-08 was marred by several controversial decisions made by umpire Steve Bucknor. Several contentious dismissals angered the Indian team and fans, leading to widespread criticism of the umpiring.
- Decision Review System (DRS) Controversies:
- The introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) has led to numerous controversies, with debates about the accuracy and fairness of technology in making decisions. Instances where the ball-tracking technology and other tools have been questioned have caused disagreements among players and fans.
Cricket, being a sport with a rich history, has seen numerous controversial moments. These incidents often spark debates, discussions, and sometimes changes in the rules or procedures of the game.
