GALLE:
Pakistan and Sri Lanka united yesterday to demand mandatory video technology after several umpiring howlers in their first Test, placing themselves in opposition to India’s powerful board.
The Decision Review System (DRS) was recommended for mandatory use by cricket chiefs on Monday, subject to member nations financing the technology. But Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene said he wanted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pay for the technology if individual boards, such as his own, cannot afford to fund it when they host touring teams.
“The ICC must take it upon themselves to fund the system for the boards which cannot afford to, instead of leaving it to them to decide whether they use it or not,” said Jayawardene. “I have always been a fan of the DRS. It might not be 100%, but if we can use it to get the maximum number of correct decisions, it will help the umpires as well.”
The Galle Test, which Sri Lanka won by 209 runs on Monday, was marred by at least 12 contentious decisions by umpires Steve Davis of Australia and Ian Gould of England, with Pakistan suffering the most.
Mohammad Hafeez, captaining Pakistan in Galle in the absence of Misbahul Haq, said the uncertainty about the video referral technology should end.
“One thing I want to say is that it is time for the highest authorities to make a decision about the DRS,” said Hafeez. “It should be made compulsory for every game. I feel as a player, not having the DRS puts a lot of pressure on you and that pressure goes to the umpires. The authorities should either go for it, or not at all.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas blamed Pakistan’s defeat on inept batting and the lack of DRS.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2012.
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