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Watch the umps, BCCI By Dilip Vengsarkar
It was quite obvious that the build up for the forthcoming World Cup would
overshadow India’s domestic cricket, for one hardly sees a mention about it
in the press. Forget about junior cricket, even some of the first class
matches do not get the kind of coverage they deserve.
Recently, on a trip to Goa to witness the Deodhar Trophy matches, however,
I was pleasantly surprised to see the change in attitude of the
administrators of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) while hosting the
matches, which, on my previous visits in the 90s, was lacking.
After the fiasco during the India-Australia one-day international a few
years ago, it seems they have taken it upon themselves to improve not only
the image of Goa cricket but also its standard. And, that’s good news.
As a place, Goa is one of the best, what with the beautiful temples and
churches to visit, besides, of course, the lovely beaches. The Goans, too,
are a very friendly and hospitable lot. The amount of interest the game has
generated over the years in this part of the country is tremendous. Of
course, football still rules over other games but cricket, I feel, runs a
very close second to it.
The Panjim Gymkhana, where the North and Central locked horns, dished out a
very good wicket, but unfortunately the next game at Margaon was marred by
overnight rain. And, talking about attitude, the very same displayed by
some of the senior players was indeed worthy of condemnation. The game at
Margaon between East and Central could not be started on time. There were
wet patches on the wicket as the water had seeped through due to the poor
quality of covers. The umpires and the groundsmen worked hard to get the
match under way.
The hot and humid conditions, too, helped the outfield and the wicket to
dry. But, by the time everyone thought that there was possibility to have
at least a 25-over-a-side game, the worst thing the umpires did was to
offer the option to play to both the captains. Not very enthusiastic to
play the match, as both teams did not even have an outside chance to win
the trophy, it was on the cards that they would refuse. They did, and the
match was called off, much to the disappointment of the officials as well
as the locals who had come to watch.
Now, had it been a selection match for the World Cup or even for any other
tour, would they have refused to play? I bet they wouldn’t. In fact they
would have rushed the umpires to start the match so that they could get
more overs to play and impress the selectors.
The seniors in the team must realise the fact that they are the ones who
play a very important role in the progress of the juniors. The juniors in
the dressing room closely watch the seniors’ approach to the game, and the
latter’s mental toughness and attitude have a lasting impression on the
young careers. That’s the reason Mumbai always produces mentally tough
cricketers, because the seniors always play the game the hard way, never
gave an inch to the opposition, and always have that “khadus” approach to
the game.
In cricket, as they say, fortune favours the brave, and unless the captain
and seniors in the team show a positive approach, the juniors are bound to
follow their seniors’ footsteps. Because of this very poor attitude, some
of teams never make it even to the semifinal.
The standard of umpiring, too, is one area the BCCI must look into. For, it
is not only poor, but also the umpires are scared to call the shots to
avoid controversy, and thereby lose an opportunity to officiate in
important matches.
It is amazing that there are so many sub-standard umpires who officiate in
our first class cricket. They are just not capable of handling tight
situations and can be easily pressurised by constant appealing. The players
are smart enough to know which ones are dicey and can succumb to pressure.
It’s important to appoint few top class umpires for all the matches,
including junior cricket, for a wrong decision can mar a promising career
from blossoming.
Unfortunately, not many former first class players come forward to
officiate as umpires. I am sure if the BCCI improves the fee structure,
which I feel they must, a lot many more will show interest in the job.
http://www.cricketnext.com/features1/vengsarkar/vengsarkar064.htm
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