Two umpires faced a storm, altering a Test match—and maybe their careers, but when the next big tournament arrived, they were absent
What occurs when two umpires find themselves caught in a cricket storm? The 2006 Oval Test between England and PAK was far from a typical match; it was the first and only Test in history to be forfeited. The repercussions, however, continued to resonate, resulting in two vital officials missing the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy.
The 2006 Oval Test in the only Test match in history to be forfeited
So, what precisely transpired? Why were the two umpires excluded?
Darrell Hair, one of cricket’s most experienced umpires, was at the centre of a controversy after penalising PAK for alleged ball tampering. The decision caused confusion, with PAK refusing to play and consequently forfeiting the Test match.
Darrell Hair with England captain Michale Vaughan and pacer James Anderson during the Oval Test
However, what happened next was even more shocking: Hair reportedly offered to resign in exchange for $500,000.
Later, Hair was missing from the 2006 ICC CT’s umpire’s list
The ICC, already under immense strain, banned Hair from officiating future matches involving major teams. He was also officially excluded from the Champions Trophy 2006 for “safety concerns.”
Billi Doctrove was another significant name absent from the 2006 ICC CT umpire’s panel
Unlike Hair, Billy Doctrove was not charged with any misbehaviour. So, why was he also excluded from the Champions Trophy?
Doctrove was the on-field partner of Darrel Hair in the 2006 Oval Test
The ICC stated that there was “nothing sinister” about his absence—only eight umpires were required. However, Doctrove was Hair’s on-field partner at The Oval, and many feel he was discreetly sidelined to avoid revisiting the matter.
Darrel Hair's umpiring career never recovered following that incident
The consequences did not end with the Champions Trophy. Hair sued the ICC, claiming discrimination. What is his argument? If he had been from the West Indies, PAK, or India, like Doctrove, he might have received different treatment.
Hair’s legal battle against ICC shook cricket’s power structure
Following months of legal battles, Hair withdrew his complaint, yet his umpiring career never fully recovered.
The 2006 Oval Test transformed cricket, ending Hair’s umpiring career and dimming Doctrove’s prospects.
The Champions Trophy continued, but the real question is: did the ICC make the right choice, or did cricket try to hide an uncomfortable controversy?
