EXPLAINER: What is umpire’s call? Why is this the most controversial rule of cricket, know every little and big information related to it
What Is Umpire’s Call Rule: Cricket is called a gentleman’s game. The rules of this game make it more exciting. Cricket started with Test format, but then ODI and now T-20 format is all the rage. However, all three formats have their own USP. Just as Test cricket allows players to settle down and play their natural game, the T20 format makes players aggressive. Where, batsmen look to send every ball across the boundary and bowlers look for wickets at every wicket. As you all know that there are hundreds of rules in the game of cricket… but it would not be wrong to say that the rule of umpire’s call is one of the most controversial rules. While one umpire demands his removal, the other demands that this rule is necessary to maintain the role of the umpire present on the field. So let us tell you in detail about the Umpire’s Call rule in this article… What is Umpire’s Call? How does it work?
- What is the umpire’s call rule?
- Why is umpire’s call the most controversial rule?
- How does the umpire’s call rule work?
- When was umpire’s call used for the first time?
- Other things related to umpire’s call
What is the umpire’s call?
Umpire’s call is a special rule of DRS, under which the original decision of the on-field umpire is upheld when the technical evidence is not completely conclusive. If we understand in simple language, if the technology cannot clearly prove that the umpire’s decision was wrong, then the umpire’s decision stands. This is called umpire’s call.
Why is umpire’s call the most controversial rule?
There is a lot of controversy in LBW (Leg Before Wicket) cases regarding the umpire’s call. In fact, when a batsman is given out LBW or not out and he takes DRS, then the ball-tracking technology shows to what extent the ball was hitting the wicket.
If only a portion of the ball touches the stumps and does not completely hit the wicket, an umpire’s call may apply. This is the reason why there is often controversy in the corridors of cricket regarding the rules of umpire’s call and there is no doubt that unless there are changes in this rule, there will continue to be controversy regarding it.
How does the umpire’s call rule work?
Understand the umpire’s call by example, if the umpire on the field has given out the batsman. But if the batsman is not satisfied with the decision of the umpire, then he uses DRS. Ball-tracking showed that the ball was hitting the edge of the wicket. In such a situation, technology does not prove it to be a completely wrong decision and the umpire’s decision remains intact and the umpire’s call is implemented.
At the same time, if the batsman has been given not out and the bowling team is unhappy with the umpire’s decision, then it takes a review and even if the ball is touching only the edge of the stumps, the batsman remains not out and in this case also the umpire’s call applies.
The on-field umpire gave OUT β the decision will remain OUT
On-field umpire gave NOT OUT β The decision will remain NOT OUT
When was umpire’s call used for the first time?
The ‘Umpire’s Call’ rule was first officially used in international cricket in 2009, when the Decision Review System (DRS) was introduced in international cricket. At the same time, it was implemented for the first time in Indian cricket on 1 October 2016. This rule was used for the first time in India during the home Test series (Rajkot Test) played against England in November 2016. DRS was used against Haseeb Hameed, who was the England opening batsman. He was given out LBW on the ball of Ravichandran Ashwin.
Two of the worst umpiring decisions in a single match π
Even commentators couldn’t believe itπ pic.twitter.com/p09dOLVA6B
β OldMonkOfCricket (@OldMonkofCrick) June 9, 2026
The biggest controversy related to umpire’s call
The rule of umpire’s call is always surrounded by controversies in the corridors of cricket. But, if we talk about the most controversial “umpire’s call” in Indian cricket, it was seen in 2024, when the Test series was played between India and England. In fact, many LBW decisions in this series became a topic of discussion due to the umpire’s call and England captain Ben Stokes also publicly questioned this rule and there was a lot of debate on some of the decisions taken against Joe Root. However, with time this issue cooled down.
Demand is rising to change the rules
Umpire’s call is one of the most discussed and controversial rules of cricket. Whenever a batsman is given out or not out due to umpire’s call, a new controversy automatically arises. Regarding these rules, the camp of veterans is divided into two groups. One school of thought believes that if technology is available then the decision should be based solely on technology. While the other group believes that this rule is necessary to maintain the role of the umpire present on the field.
Will ICC change this rule?
The International Cricket Council always keeps amending the rules to improve cricket. However, till now ICC has not shared any information regarding the amendment in the umpire’s call rule. But, it would not be wrong to say that the International Cricket Council may think about amending this rule in the future. But, till then, the debate regarding this rule is going to continue in the corridors of cricket.
Also read: EXPLAINER: What is follow-on in test cricket? When and how is it used, know everything
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