An Overview on Umpiring & Modern Technology

The introduction of electronics and technology as third umpire or fourth umpire is thought as in invasion to the glory of cricket to some school of thought. But there is another school which feels that the use of technology especially in decisions taken by umpires is just a practical implement of the game to make correct decisions. There had been lots of instances in the past when umpire’s wrong decisions prevented players from making records, scoring good runs and teams losing games. Now with the blend of umpiring and modern technology there is little chance of such mistakes and there would more practical way to take decisions in crucial situations.

In cricket the umpire is actually a symbol of neutral and unbiased decisions that are taken in the game to judge situations. But in many instances the umpires fell from grace and the umpires simply started losing the confidence on the pitch. Therefore the ICC felt that there was need of enhanced role of an impartial electronic umpiring on cameras which would help the umpires take fair decision and also put a practical approach in the game. The ICC is looking forward to the referral system of umpiring in which the electronic umpiring would have more efficacy of electronic umpiring over human umpiring.

Will modern technology improve umpiring system of cricket?
To err is human! There are certain instances in the game when human minds and senses cannot work so quickly and effectively to make correct decisions. The cricket world is basically unhappy with caught behind appeals, LBW outs, close ground caught, run between wicket outs, and others. The modern technology with advanced software and innovative system can help umpires to have a better look at the situation and take correct decisions on the appeals. Therefore umpires must not feel that introduction of such umpiring and modern technology is a way to cut their roles. It is actually a helping hand to them to make the game more practical and fruitful. There won’t be any chances of people and players getting dejected from wrong decisions.

On a sudden appeal the umpire on the on field raises his hand and point the index finger top, indicating the batsman out. But the replay on TVs and other screens show that there is no touch of the ball to bat or handle. When the player sees the replay later on he feels dejected and losses the spirit of the game and the spectators too lose the rhythm of the sport. Wrong decisions have negative impacts on player and people. Therefore there needs to be a fair system where decisions taken are correct and practical. Armoring umpires with modern technology is actually a way to take the game to more spirited level. Thus, modern technology will definitely improve umpiring system.

Summary: The use of technology especially in decisions taken by umpires is just a practical implement of the game to make correct decisions. There had been lots of instances in the past when umpire’s wrong decisions prevented players from making records, scoring good runs and teams losing games. Modern technology will definitely improve umpiring system