ICC pulled Bucknor from Test

**Sooty** · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 12:19 PM

Having found the Australian claim to be victims of racist abuse more than slightly ironic
I now read that umpire Steve Bucknor has been pulled from the next test match to placate the Indian team.

Of course the loss of TV money if the tour is cancelled had no bearing on the decision.

Read more here

Umpire Bucknor Replaced After Controversial Test - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Arkangel · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 01:11 PM

A typical craven decision by the ICC. Bucknor is one of the best umpires in the world and the ICC has bowed to the loudmouth Indians who are more than slightly racist themselves. But, as you say Sooty, it's the money that does the talking here.

**Jezer** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 02:42 PM

Remember when the umpire's decision was final?

It'll end up like the free for all in football.

**Sooty** · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 02:53 PM

I used to play a lot of cricket and I've had my share of full and frank discussions with umpires and their eyesight but I always knew that I couldn't win as their word was final. That no longer seems to be the case. We are up to our ears in 3rd, 4th, 5th umpires, Match officials and Referees. We have tv replays, referrals all of which undermine the authority of the Umpire.

I remember a West Indies v England test match about 30 years ago when the West Indies accused Umpire Charlie Fagg (I think) of being biased and he refused to take any further part in the match until he had an apology. It was sorted out with a meeting and a handshake now it seems we need a UN resolution to sort things out.

Black Finn · #5 (**permalink**) 09-01-2008, 03:51 PM

Also a cricket player and fan. I echo what you say, Sooty.

It all gets blown far too out otf proportion, these days but then we love being over sensitive about race, creed, religion and sex so why are we surprised?

Buckner made a bad call but I don't think it helps the game or the authority of the umpire to make him the scapegoat to keep the Indian team happy. That's not right in any walk of life.

**Jezer** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 01:57 PM

Good article here, by Sir Geoffrey-

Cricket must crack down on the abuse - Telegraph