Picture Credit: Twitter
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is termed as one of the biggest domestic T20 leagues in the world. Ever since its inception in 2008, IPL has continuously grown, and now after 15 years, it stands closer to none. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put in every possible effort to keep the homegrown league updated with the latest trends in this sport.
The use of technology is one such area where the BCCI has worked hard and has roped in every possible technology to keep the game error-free. But, as the 15th edition of the IPL is underway, a lot of issues have surfaced. Umpiring in IPL 2022 has been under the scanner with lots of mistakes being made. Leave aside on-field umpires, the third umpire is also not making the right decisions despite so much technology at disposal which has put IPL's brand name under threat.
The latest mistake committed by the third umpire was in Match 56 played between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI). A controversial decision was made against Mumbai Indians' captain Rohit Sharma as he was adjudged caught behind by the TV umpire after KKR decided to review the on-field umpire's decision.
In the first over of the MI innings, Tim Southee bowled a length delivery that Rohit missed and the ball passed through the gap between his bat and pad. The KKR wicketkeeper caught the ball and claimed a catch. However, the on-field umpire was not convinced and hence the decision was sent upstairs. The third umpire checked for an edge and with a spike on the snicko, the decision was overturned and Rohit was adjudged was out.
But the interesting part about that dismissal was that the snicko showed a spike even before the ball came closer to the bat. There was a continuous disturbance on the ultra-edge throughout the delivery. Also, upon looking closely, a gap between the ball and Rohit's bat could be seen easily while it passed through. However, the TV umpire was convinced that the batter had edged the ball and adjudged him caught behind. Rohit himself could not believe what just happened.
Demand for Hotspot in IPL
This decision created an enormous amount of buzz with everyone expressing shock and disbelief. This also led to a conversation about the apt use of technology by the BCCI in IPL. A section of Twitter users was seen demanding the introduction of the hotspot technology in IPL for error-free gameplay. Meanwhile, some users demanded more international umpires in the league.
Notably, this was not the first instance where a controversial call was made by the third umpire. And this has clearly not gone well with the fans as they have been bashing BCCI for not conducting a fair IPL.