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The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 saw a major upset during the sixth round as defending champions Mumbai suffered a shocking five-wicket defeat to Jammu and Kashmir at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, BKC. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shreyas Iyer, Mumbai fell short against the spirited J&K side, led by Paras Dogra.
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Controversial Umpiring Sparks Complaint
Post-match, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) lodged an official complaint with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the quality of umpiring. JKCA administrator Anil Gupta highlighted two specific incidents where decisions seemed to have unfairly gone against the team.
“Yes, we have lodged an official complaint with the BCCI about the standard of umpiring in the match. We pointed out a couple of decisions which went against the J&K team,” Gupta told The Times of India.
Gupta elaborated:
- Abid Mushtaq’s LBW dismissal: The ball appeared to pitch outside the leg stump, but the batter was still given out in the first innings.
- Shreyas Iyer’s reprieve: Despite clearly edging the ball, the Mumbai batter was ruled not out, frustrating the J&K players and management.
“I was present at the ground and watching the match. I was dismayed by some of the umpiring decisions, which were quite appalling,” Gupta added.
Skipper Paras Dogra’s Balanced View
While JKCA expressed frustration, J&K skipper Paras Dogra adopted a more diplomatic tone. He acknowledged that umpiring errors are part of the game but called attention to the lack of Decision Review System (DRS) during league-stage matches.
“This has been going on for years. Umpires are humans and can make mistakes. But had they been more attentive, it would’ve been more enjoyable,” Dogra said.
“It’s part and parcel of the game, and that’s why DRS exists. However, since 10-15 games are happening simultaneously, implementing DRS isn’t feasible.”
Mumbai’s Star Batters Falter, J&K Bowlers Shine
Despite having big names in their lineup, Mumbai’s batting unit crumbled against the disciplined J&K bowlers. Skipper Dogra, alongside key performances from the J&K bowlers, ensured their team capitalized on Mumbai’s vulnerabilities. The victory marked a significant milestone for J&K cricket, while exposing some areas of concern for the defending champions.
A Call for Better Standards
The complaint by JKCA has reignited the discussion around improving umpiring standards in domestic cricket and implementing DRS in league-stage matches. While logistical challenges remain, calls for fairer officiating have grown louder as teams like J&K aim to challenge traditional heavyweights like Mumbai.
This match not only showcased J&K’s growing competitiveness but also brought to light the importance of accurate umpiring in ensuring a level playing field in India’s premier domestic tournament.
