Referral System raises more questions

Image by Tom Leuntjens

The referral system tried out in the series between New Zealand and West Indies has created its own share of controversies. Similar to the India-Sri Lanka series where it was experimented earlier, the players who one expected to welcome this innovation seem to have the most complaints against it.

The similarity between the two series did not end there. If in the India –Sri Lanka series the Sri Lankan team led by Mahela Jayawardene were accused of asking innumerable questions to the umpire, here the New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said, one unsuccessful challenge is the right number; three allows teams to try and milk a 50-50 call.The implication being that the West Indian team was banking on the off-field umpire to compound the error.

The West Indies coach has also added his two cents by saying that the referral system is not perfect yet and with three referrals, there is a feeling players are challenging for the sake of it. He also added that three referrals are too many; he believes one is not enough, so he would favour two referrals.

What ever be its perceived inconsistencies, the referral system is undoubtedly a welcome addition to the game of cricket and as prophesied by Dave Richardson, it adds to the drama.

From the comments of the players at the end of both the India-Sri Lanka and the New Zealand-West Indies series, it is clear that the players have inflated expectations about it. The ICC should ensure that the players are educated about the limitations of the referral system.

Cricket News Online Live.com on the referral system.