The bad and the ugly

The ICC is now discovering that the umpire referral system, thought it had merit, isn’t the solution to every moment of discontent in the game. The world criticised them for not using technology and now that they are, they are being criticised for everything that comes along with it.

Speaking of outcries against the system, the extraordinary language used by a newspaper in New Zealand against the Indian manager, calling him a 'goon' is certainly unacceptable,

These are two issues Harsha Bhogle focusses on, in his column in the Indian Express.

I don’t think anyone was referring to the last meaning but to call anyone a thug or a gangster is not on. It reminds me of the words used by visiting journalists against Indian umpires from the days when there were no replays. It shouldn’t have been acceptable then and it cannot be acceptable now. Have we gone beyond disagreeing with people without calling them names?

Staying with the referral system, to see the umpire’s decision - and the reaction of 25,000 fans - overturned, negates the excitement and expectation of the game, points out Arthur Turner in Sport24.com.

The excuse that that technology is not always foolproof must be dispelled once and for all. If the ICC wants to make use of technology they must go all the way with it, if not, rather abandon it. This quasi approach will not work and is only complicating matters further.