The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #94001   Message #1814870
Posted By: Rasener
21-Aug-06 - 02:29 AM
Thread Name: BS: Pakistan forfeit test match
Subject: RE: BS: Pakistan forfeit test match
Sorry didn't do my proof reading and spell check

The umpires are in charge and are expected to work to the rules.

It applies to both teams.

Without knowing what the umpires saw, its not really possible to comment on the decision of ball tampering.

Pakistan know the rules of cricket and they should have known that if they were not on the pitch to start play, then they risked forfeiting the match.
Irrespective of what they felt about the ball tampering decision, under very strict rules of conduct, they should have continued the match and then complained at the end of the day to relevant decision makers.
Instead, by refusing to continue with the match, they put the umpires under pressure to apply the necessity rules. Tne umpires are in charge, not the cricketers. Under the circumstances the umpires were correct and applied the rules correctly.

Disappointing, yes to all cricket lovers, as the remainder of the match is lost.

Another very good point here is that the captain of Pakistan should have protested at the time of the ball tampering decision and asked it to be referred to the necessary authorities. He should have also said to the umpire that they were continuing the match under protest.
Maybe he did.

Cricket is not like football where the players think they are in charge.