Steve Bucknor, a former umpire known for his long career, has expressed regret over a controversial decision involving Indian Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Bucknor, who retired in 2009, acknowledged that giving Tendulkar out LBW during a Test match in Brisbane 22 years ago was a mistake.
In an interview with the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association, Bucknor reflected on one of his toughest calls, stating, “Giving Sachin Tendulkar out leg before wicket was a mistake. Even today, people discuss it. Life has mistakes, and I’ve accepted this one.”
In the 2003-04 match at the Gabba, Tendulkar was given out after an appeal from Australian bowler Jason Gillespie and his teammates. Tendulkar had been batting on 3, trying to leave the ball, which hit him high on the pads. Replays showed the ball would have gone over the stumps. Commentary at the time, including from the late Tony Greig, deemed the decision “dreadful.”
The match ended in a draw, with Indian captain Sourav Ganguly scoring 144 runs. This wasn’t Bucknor’s only controversial call against Tendulkar; he also adjudged him caught behind in a 2005 match against Pakistan, despite no convincing appeal, with replays showing a clear gap between bat and ball. During a fan event in 2024, Tendulkar humorously suggested Bucknor wear boxing gloves while he bats to prevent him from raising his finger to give an out decision. Bucknor officiated in 128 Test matches from 1989 to 2009 and was the umpire for five consecutive World Cup finals from 1992 to 2007.
