Players must accept an umpire’s decision whole-heartedly, says Simon Taufel - Cricket News Update
A member of the International Cricket Council’s Elite Panel of umpires, Simon Taufel, believes that a player must accept an umpire’s decision without question, which is not the case in present day cricket since a number of players have started to question
verdicts.
Taufel, along with Pakistan’s Aleem Dar, is considered as one of the best umpires in International cricket at the moment. Just like many other cricket officials, Taufel is also of the opinion that technology should not have a big role to play in the game
and the on-field umpire’s call should be given preference.
The on-going series between India and England has heated up the debate regarding technology in International cricket. The authenticity of Hawk-Eye and Hot Spot have been questioned and a number of cricket analysts feel that one cannot trust the technology
to overturn an on-field decision.
Taufel believes that the introduction of technology has made the players doubt verdicts given by umpires and the Aussie umpire is not ready to accept this. He wants to players to give due respect to umpires, who strive to the best of their ability and work
very hard while officiating matches.
“I think we're creating an environment where it is okay for a player to question an umpire's decision, and that doesn't sit comfortably with me. As a player I was always taught to accept the umpire's decision and get on with the game. I think we're breaking
that down a little bit,” opined Taufel.
While talking about the busy schedule of International cricket, Taufel feels that it is taking its toll on the umpires as well. Some of the great umpires of the past had long careers at the International level, but Taufel feels that it is not possible for
an umpire to have a career of about 15 to 20 years anymore.
“I think the days of a Steve Bucknor umpiring 20 years at international level is probably gone. You're looking more now at a shift where to have a 7-10 year career at the elite level, you're doing very well,” Taufel added.