Cricket and Review System

Now in cricket the 'Review System' (RS) has been introduced but not for all matches. Actually the introduction of RS by the ICC is a welcome move. Because sometimes a player is pushed into a great mental agony because of a wrong decision of an umpire.

A batsman knows well that it is not a leg before wicket and for the umpire's eyes too it is the same but due to excessive appeal sometimes it is given out and batsman is hurt.

The opportunity of RS is only limited to both teams and after that the players become helpless for incorrect verdict.

Therefore, there need not be only limited Review System but many changes could be given subject to a penalty of 4 runs.

A batsman should know well that he is not out and then call for RS. If he is actually out, an additional 4 runs too have to be given to the fielding team as punishment for his RS call.

For that matter, let anyone call for RS at any situation, and if it is proved to be wrong, let him be imposed by 4 runs. By this system, a player will be very careful not to make unwanted appeals and embarrass the umpire as well.

Wrong decisions of umpires, though not done willfully, have spoilt winning matches hurting the team and the country concerned very badly. After all, man is to err.

Above all no umpire should be engaged for a match in which his country participates for many and obvious reasons.

Last but not the least, let the Asians learn from the Englishmen to clap their hands for boundaries and sixes of their opponents as that is sports, though the intention should be their country to win.

Any game in sports should be enjoyed not grudged.

Nazly Cassim

Colombo 13.