The first LBW by a third umpire? You won’t believe who it was!
Cricket has long been a game of traditions, but technology has gradually transformed it over time. The first step was taken in 1992 when a third umpire was added to handle run-outs.
An on-field umpire signals for the third umpire
However, in 2002, the ICC made a brave move by allowing field umpires to consult with the third umpire on LBW decisions at the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.
This was unlike anything seen before. Umpires could refer LBW decisions to a third umpire, but only two replays were permitted before a decision was made.
Daryl Harper signals for the third umpire in the opening match of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy
However, the experiment was short-lived, as the ICC did not utilise the technology after the event. It would be another six years before the Decision Review System (DRS) was fully implemented.
In the opening match of the tournament, at the R Premadasa Stadium, PAK faced Sri Lanka. PAK struggled against Dilhara Fernando (3/30) and Muttiah Muralitharan (3/29), being bowled out for 200.
Jayasuriya in action against a brutal PAK bowling attack
In response, Sanath Jayasuriya scored an unbeaten 102 to steer Sri Lanka to a comfortable victory in 36.1 overs.
However, amidst all this, Shoaib Malik of PAK became the first cricketer in an ICC tournament to be declared LBW by a third umpire.
The moment history was made—Shoaib Malik becomes the first LBW victim given out by a third umpire
Malik had just arrived when Chaminda Vaas bowled one that straightened and hit his pad. Umpire Daryl Harper appeared uncertain. He called for assistance. Two replays later, Rudi Koertzen, the third umpire, made the decision—out!
Players can now challenge on-field decisions using ball tracking and replays, which was unimaginable before 2002.
Nonetheless, Malik remains distinguished as the first batter to be given out by a third umpire's LBW decision in an ICC event.
