Published By: Sayan Guha

Year Ender 2024: Under the Spotlight- When Umpires Took Centre Stage in 2024

From heartbreak to heated debates, the year's most controversial calls that left players and fans divided

Cricket, they say, is a game of thrilling uncertainty. However, in 2024, some of the most significant doubts came not from swinging yorkers or beautiful eras but from men and women in white coats. Decisions that changed games generated uproar and launched a year-long discussion about umpiring standards. Was it a human mistake, technical flaws, or something more subtle? Let’s turn back the past and recall the times when umpires made headlines.

A Samson saga: Inches that stung

Sanju Samson, the skipper of the Rajasthan Royals, produced a fantastic knock in IPL Match No. 56 against the Delhi Capitals. The boundaries were flowing, partnerships were forming, and optimism was alive. Mukesh Kumar was introduced in the 16th over. Samson’s pull was caught at the boundary by and Shai Hope —or was it?

The on-field umpires referred it upstairs to Michael Gough, who declared Hope’s catch clean. Replays, however, indicated a probable foot touch on the boundary. Samson initially walked away but returned and engaged in a heated conversation with the umpires. The scoreboard, however, remained solid. Out. Samson received a 30% match fee sanction, sparking yet another argument about whether technology genuinely helps or hampers the spirit of the game.

Kohli’s fiery farewell to the crease

Virat Kohli is no stranger to controversy, but his dismissal in IPL Match No. 36 against KKR created a storm in its own right. Chasing a massive 223, Kohli was poised to take the game by storm until a lazy full toss from Harshit Rana halted him in his tracks.

Or did it?

The television umpire ruled that the ball, which seemed to fall below waist height, was legal, denying Kohli a review. Replays showed differently, and Kohli’s passionate gestures towards the umpires revealed his dissatisfaction. What’s the penalty? A heavy 50% penalty on his match fees. The argument among fans raged on: where do we draw the line between the human eye and technical errors?

KL Rahul: The Perth predicament

On the opening day of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at Optus Stadium, KL Rahul’s dismissal caused a flashpoint. Batting on a rough surface, Rahul appeared to be the anchor for India until a Mitchell Starc delivery, followed by a Snicko spike, terminated his innings.

But did the bat actually snag the ball? The spike left an opportunity for uncertainty, but the third umpire ruled Rahul out. Former cricketers yelled, supporters argued, and Rahul could only walk away, wondering what may have been.

The run-out that never was

On a drama-filled night, India’s Women’s T20 World Cup match against New Zealand had its own umpiring tempest. Amelia Kerr, who appeared to have been run out, was returned to the crease after the fourth umpire ruled the ball dead.

Chaos ensued. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates fought vehemently, disputing the judgement. In the next over, Kerr’s batting order was disrupted, further fuelling the flames and causing further turmoil. Despite dismissing Kerr shortly after, the damage had been done. The issue lingered: Had the regulations been twisted or just misinterpreted?

Bangladesh’s bitter four runs

Tight finishes are exciting—until a contentious decision changes the outcome. Bangladesh, chasing a small score against South Africa in the T20 World Cup, were undone by a “dead ball” decision.

Mahmadullah’s LBW review revealed a deflection that rolled to the boundary, but the umpire’s early decision cost them four crucial runs. Bangladesh narrowly lost the match. Towhid Hridoy’s post-match displeasure was succinct: “Those four runs could have changed everything.”