| The use of technology in sports has been the | | | | in the year 2000 is a good example. The West |
| subject of intense debate. The governing bodies of | | | | Indians were nine wickets down and about to lose |
| rugby and cricket have acquiesced to the use of | | | | the series. Then not one, but two umpiring errors |
| technology for purposes of officiating. However, | | | | ensured that they won the series based on one |
| cricket includes technology in a limited way. | | | | undeserved win. As a West Indian supporter and the |
| Television replays are used for stumping decisions, | | | | victory certainly felt hollow to me. |
| run outs and boundary calls. Cricket's reality is that | | | | Undeniably, the role of the umpire will be affected by |
| several umpiring errors are highlighted by | | | | the increase of technology. The nature of that |
| comprehensive television coverage with cameras at | | | | change will be subject to debate. There is the view |
| all angles. Therefore, it is no surprise that some | | | | that the umpire's role and authority will be |
| quarters are clamouring for the use of technology to | | | | undermined by increased use of technology. |
| assist umpires. On the other side of the continuum, | | | | However, this is yet another moot point, since |
| there are those who insist that the status quo should | | | | umpires are made to look foolish (via replays) each |
| be maintained. | | | | time they make an error. This is exacerbated when |
| There is the view that increased technology use | | | | the cameras focus on them for a few seconds after |
| would make the game of cricket fairer by reducing | | | | the commentators denounce the decision as |
| umpiring errors. To evaluate this, the International | | | | "atrocious" or "a shocker". |
| Cricket Council experimented with a decision referral | | | | The entire technology debate is useless. What the |
| system whereby umpires could refer dubious | | | | ICC should forbid is the constant replays that place |
| decisions like disputed catches or leg-before-wicket | | | | too much emphasis on umpiring errors. The fact is |
| decisions. The results of this have shown that in | | | | that umpires make few errors, but TV coverage and |
| critical cases, the footage used to examine decisions | | | | the way the human mind works makes them appear |
| sometimes provides inconclusive evidence. | | | | as buffoons who can't see very well. |
| Cricket purists advanced the notion that increased | | | | The television viewers are privy to the analysis |
| technology use would make the game of cricket | | | | provided by "Hawkeye" or "Hot Spot" and the |
| more protracted. This seems to be a moot point, | | | | benefit of several replays. The ICC must decide to |
| since minutes are wasted replaying a boundary call | | | | either continue to allow the over-examination of |
| that would be a matter of a couple runs. The | | | | umpiring decisions or discontinue it. If decisions are |
| technology advocates suggests that it is better to | | | | going to be scrutinized, then those making it should |
| spend this time determining if a batsman is out or not | | | | have the same tools. If this is not the case, the |
| out. If purists are thinking about the game-length, | | | | decision should not be scrutinized. After all, many |
| then they'll address the problem with over-rates. | | | | viewers or supporters wait until they see a replay |
| Purists argue that the human element is and should | | | | before their emotions go one way or the other. |
| remain an integral aspect of the game. They opine | | | | The law of cricket states that if the umpire is unsure |
| that everyone makes mistakes and that cricket is a | | | | whether a batsman is out, he should give the |
| microcosm of life. Therefore, unfair decisions give | | | | batsman the benefit of the doubt. The modern |
| teams the chance to demonstrate character. | | | | umpire is not too interested in giving the benefit of |
| The counter-argument is that viewers and supporters | | | | the doubt, because there is a lot of pressure to get |
| don't want to see a microcosm of life. They want to | | | | the decision correct each time. The ICC needs to |
| see a match-up of skills, not umpiring decisions that | | | | make a decision to give umpires some more toys, or |
| adversely affect a team's fortunes. For the | | | | take them away from the television and stadium |
| less-passionate fans, it seems a pyrrhic victory if | | | | coverage. The game of cricket will be better off for |
| obtained by a glaring umpiring error. | | | | it either way. |
| The series that the West Indies won against Pakistan | | | | |