The younger generation may not fully understand the impact that West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor had on Indian cricket fans and Sachin Tendulkar. Bucknor, 79, is one of the most respected referees of his era, officiating more than 120 Test matches and participating in multiple World Cups. However, he is still remembered for several controversial decisions against Tendulkar, often in the most important matches.
One of the most famous events was the Brisbane Test between India and Australia in 2003-04. After strong appeals from Jason Gillespie, Adam Gilchrist and the Australian team, Tendulkar, who was at the peak of his career, was awarded LBW by Bucknor. Tendulkar was dismissed for just three runs in the first innings – a huge shock to the fans.
Today, 22 years later, Bucknor admits he made a mistake. He said Tendulkar should not have been dismissed as the ball clearly did not hit the stumps. The admission confirmed what fans have long believed about one of the most controversial decisions in cricket.
Speaking to the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association, Bucknor said: “To get Sachin Tendulkar out in front of the wicket was a wrong question but to this day, people are talking about it every day.”
“Why would I put him out? Was he out and so on? But mistakes happen in life. I’ve accepted it was a mistake and life goes on,” he added.
How did the dismissal happen?
During that dismissal, Sachin Tendulkar tried to move away from the ball but it hit him on the pads of his feet. Jason Gillespie and Australia appealed and experienced umpire Steve Bucknor ruled him out. However, he apparently misjudged the height of the ball. Tendulkar misjudged the delivery and had his arms crossed as the ball was pitched outside and came sharply back to the line.
When Bucknor raised his finger, Tendulkar looked shocked and couldn’t believe the decision. Commentator Tony Gregg called it a “terrible decision” on air. Replays later showed that the ball was well above the stumps, proving that Bucknor’s call was a critical error that led to Tendulkar’s innings ending prematurely.
“It’s a terrible decision. Look at this, look at the bounce and the movement,” Gregg said at the time.
