The 5 most controversial umpires in cricket history include figures known for contentious decisions, such as Steve Bucknor’s dubious LBW call against Sachin Tendulkar, Darrell Hair’s “ball-tampering” accusation against Muralitharan, and Aleem Dar’s overzealous LBW rulings, all leaving lasting legacies of infamy in the sport.
5. Aleem Dar
Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar, known for his keen LBW decisions, occasionally showed overzealousness in his rulings. His inclination to give batsmen out on the slightest pad contact, especially against spinners, led to the controversial nickname “Ali Out Dar,” marking a legacy of both precision and scrutiny.
4. Rudi Koertzen
South African umpire Rudi Koertzen, famed for his relaxed approach, occasionally crossed the line between calmness and carelessness. Notable mistakes include missing Chris Gayle’s obvious run-out in the 2003 World Cup final and a perplexing LBW decision against Ricky Ponting in 2008, leaving both players and fans bewildered.
3. Simon Taufel
Simon Taufel, celebrated for his accuracy, faced criticism for crucial errors in high-pressure situations. During the 2009 Ashes series, missed edges impacted key moments. Despite his exceptional statistics, these lapses in pivotal matches tarnished his otherwise stellar reputation.
2. Darrell Hair
Darrell Hair became infamous for accusing Muttiah Muralitharan of “ball-tampering” during a 2006 Test, sparking one of cricket’s most controversial episodes. Despite video evidence refuting his decision, Hair remained firm, causing widespread outrage and a deep rift within the cricketing world. His actions are a key moment in umpiring controversy.
1. Steve Bucknor
Steve Bucknor, one of cricket’s most controversial umpires, became infamous for his decisions, particularly during the 2003 Brisbane Test. In that match, he gave Sachin Tendulkar out despite the ball clearly missing the stumps, igniting outrage, especially in India. Along with other contentious calls throughout his career, Bucknor’s legacy is forever linked to infamous umpiring moments, making him one of the most polarizing figures in cricket history.