The younger generation may not fully grasp the impact West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor had on Indian cricket fans and Sachin Tendulkar. Now 79, Bucknor was one of the most respected umpires of his time, officiating over 120 Test matches and serving in multiple World Cups. However, he is still remembered for several controversial decisions against Tendulkar, often in the biggest matches.
One of the most famous incidents was during the Brisbane Test between India and Australia in 2003–04. Tendulkar, at the peak of his career, was given out LBW by Bucknor after a loud appeal from Jason Gillespie, Adam Gilchrist, and the Australian team. Tendulkar was dismissed for just three runs in the first innings—a huge shock to fans.
Now, 22 years later, Bucknor has admitted he made a mistake. He said Tendulkar should not have been given out because the ball was clearly missing the stumps. This confession confirms what fans have long believed about one of cricket’s most controversial decisions.
“Giving Sachin Tendulkar out leg before wicket, and it’s a matter of knowing that it was a mistake, but until this day, every day, people talk about it,” Bucknor said in an interview with the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association.
“Why did I give him out? Was he out and so on? But then in life, mistakes happen. I have accepted that it was a mistake, and life goes on,” he added.
During that dismissal, Sachin Tendulkar tried to leave the ball, but it struck his pads. Jason Gillespie and the Australian team appealed, and the experienced umpire Steve Bucknor gave him out. However, he clearly misjudged the ball’s height.
Tendulkar had misread the delivery, leaving his arms across, as the ball pitched outside off and swung sharply back in line.
When Bucknor raised his finger, Tendulkar looked shocked and couldn’t believe the decision. Commentator Tony Greig called it a “dreadful decision” live on air. Replays later showed the ball would have gone well above the stumps, proving Bucknor’s call was a major error that ended Tendulkar’s innings prematurely.
“That is a dreadful decision. Have a look at this, look at the bounce and movement,” Greig had said then.
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