Mumbai: Mumbai Indians (MI) coach Mahela Jayawardena has called for better use of video umpires after a controversial end to an IPL tie between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) where the umpires on the field missed a clear waist-high full toss in the final over of the run chase. The DC camp was infuriated with the missed call as skipper Rishabh Pant displayed his displeasure from the bench and assistant coach Pravin Amre stormed onto the field to approach the umpires about the decision as the RR held on for the victory. Both Pant and Amre were fined 100 per cent of their match fee for their behaviour. Amre was also handed a one-match ban for entering the field. Speaking at The ICC Review on Wednesday, Jayawardena said: “It is something going forward that I think we need to look at.” As per the laws, Clause 21.5 of the ICC Playing Conditions states: “The third umpire shall review television replays of the bowler’s front foot landing and, if he/she is satisfied that any of these three conditions have not been met, he/she shall immediately advise the bowler’s end umpire who shall in turn immediately call and signal a ‘No Ball’.” Jayawardena has urged authorities to use the incident in the IPL as a wake-up call to make better use of video umpires in the future. “Is there an option for the third umpire to look at these things and inform the main umpires that it is a delivery that should be checked? It was disappointing to see that when you stop a game and have people come on to the field, but I honestly believe it was just emotions carrying over in the last over. “A couple of sixes were hit and there was an opportunity that probably the umpires did get wrong. But the rules say you can’t go to the third umpire to check on those things.” Jayawardena also said that it was not a good look for the game to have Amre enter the playing field to dispute the decision. “The spirit of the game and to see things moving forward, it is never an option for a player or a coach to come on to the field. We (coaches) have the ability to come on to the field during the strategic time out at the IPL and that should be the only time that coaches or anyone else should be allowed on the field.” “We saw it on television … most of the guys were watching it together and afterwards we had a chat. We probably would have reacted similarly in the dugout but it is never an option to go on to the field. That is not the way things should be and I am pretty sure that both Pant and Amre would both regret what happened. “I think Rishabh said it was the emotions … I think we need to give him the benefit of the doubt and move on,” he added. UNI BAV MR
