Ranji Trophy: Mohammed Siraj criticizes poor umpiring in tournament
What's the story
Star Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj expressed dissatisfaction with the umpiring decisions during Hyderabad's recent 58-run defeat to Vidarbha in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.
He pointed out what he claimed were 'six or seven' questionable calls made by on-field umpires Akshay Totre and Navdeep Singh.
Notably, Totre was awarded the Best Domestic Cricket Umpire during the BCCI's annual Naman Awards.
The match was held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground in Nagpur.
Here's more.
Umpiring concerns
Siraj questions umpiring decisions in Ranji Trophy match
Vidarbha were bowled out for 190 in the first innings, giving Hyderabad a 136-run lead.
However, a century from Karun Nair and a half-century by Harsh Dubey helped Vidarbha post a target of 220 for Hyderabad.
Despite their efforts, Hyderabad could only score 161 runs before getting bowled out.
Siraj believes the umpiring decisions played a major role in it.
Player's perspective
Siraj's 1st Ranji Trophy game after 5 years
In a conversation with Sportstar, Siraj said, "The performances from both sides were good, but the umpires had a big role to play."
He admitted umpires are human and can make mistakes, and stated, "I understand they are human and capable of making mistakes, but getting six or seven decisions wrong in a single match is not acceptable"
Notably, this was Siraj's first Ranji Trophy game after nearly five years.
Team spirit
Siraj praises young teammates despite defeat
Despite the defeat, Siraj praised his young teammates for their dedication and positive attitude. He expressed confidence in their potential for improvement in future seasons.
"The [Hyderabad] players have a great attitude. They are willing to give their lives for the team," he said, emphasizing their commitment to learning and adapting according to different match situations.
Umpire accolade
Umpire Totre recognized as 'Best Umpire in Domestic Cricket'
As mentioned, one of the umpires from the controversial match, Akshay Totre, was recently honored with the 'Best Umpire in Domestic Cricket' award at BCCI's annual Naman Awards.
He was awarded just a day before Siraj criticized his performance during the Hyderabad-Vidarbha match.
The incident brings to light the ongoing debates about umpiring standards in domestic cricket.
Shared sentiments
Other players echo Siraj's concerns about umpiring standards
Siraj isn't the only one who has criticized Ranji Trophy umpiring standards.
The Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra raised similar concerns after their win against Mumbai recently.
"What to say. This has been going on for years and there's nothing much that we can do about it," he told the Times of India, implying umpires need to pay more attention during matches.
Complaint
JKCA also filed complaint with BCCI over umpiring standards
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) filed a formal complaint with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The complaint pertained to the quality of umpiring in their recent Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai.
Meanwhile, the controversial umpiring decisions revolved around Abid Mushtaq and Shreyas Iyer.
Additionally, confirming the development, JKCA administrator Anil Gupta expressed displeasure over two particular decisions taken during the game.
He further added that some of these decisions were quite appalling.
Recap
Harsh Dubey's all-round heroics help Vidarbha beat Hyderabad
Vidarbha clinched a 58-run win vs Hyderabad.
Vidarbha made 190/10 batting first as Harsh Dubey's fiery 65 helped them post a somewhat respectable total.
Hyderabad earned a massive first-innings lead posting 326/10.
Opener Tanmay Agarwal made 136. Karun Nair's 105, Atharva Taide's 93 and Dube's 55 helped Vidarbha muster 355/10 in their second outing.
Chasing 220, Hyderabad were folded for just 161 thanks to Dubey's six-fer (6/57).
Additionally, Siraj finished with figures worth 1/47 (first innings), and 3/59 (second innings).