ICC has issued warning to its listed commentators of 2019 cricket World Cup. ICC has asked them to avoid harsh criticism over umpiring. Several commentators have confirmed receiving emails from ICC (International Cricket Council) in this regard.
This warning came after the recent world cup match between West Indies and Australia where legendary West Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Michael Holding harshly criticized umpiring by terming it ‘atrocious’ and ‘weak’. It was a close match where West Indies lost by only 15 runs. In that match Kiwi umpire Chris Gaffaney failed to notice a clear no-ball which sent batsman Chris Gayle to dressing room. Actually that should have been a free-hit.
In the same match four decisions from field umpires against West Indies was overturned by TV reviews, which indicates decision from umpires in that particular match unfairly favored Australia.
ICC officials believe in order to ensure fairness, commentators should observe restraint.
