Kolkata: Days after announcing his retirement from cricket, Bengal legend Manoj Tiwary made a shocking revelation on Tuesday against the umpires officiating in BCCI’s domestic matches, especially in Ranji Trophy. Tiwary stated, just like the players, domestic umpires should also undergo dope tests as he has been a witness to few who took the field nursing hangover from the previous night.
Tiwary, who played 12 ODIs and three T20Is for India, has been a stalwart for Bengal in domestic cricket and is among few names, completed 10000 first-class runs while representing the state. The Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket for decades producing stars who shine for India at the international level.
But everything is not all right. Tiwary revealed the umpires prefer ‘whiskey on the rocks’. “If a player has to go through dope tests, it should be extended to domestic umpires. Many times I have seen umpires walking out to the middle while still nursing a hangover. The umpires have looked sleepy. How can he function properly in such a situation?” Tiwary was quoted as saying to Indian Express.
“I asked, “Sir kya liye tha kal raat mein? (Sir, what did you drink last night?). The reply was: “I prefer whisky on the rocks.” And they laugh. BCCI should get the hearing and eyesight of every umpire checked before the start of each season,” he added.
Earlier, the former Bengal captain took to social media and stated that the Ranji Trophy should be scrapped from the next season. “Ranji trophy should be scrapped off from the calendar from the next season onwards. So many things going wrong in the tournament. So many things need to looked into in order to save this prestigious tournament which has a rich history. It’s losing its charm and importance. Absolutely frustrated #RanjiTrophy,” he had stated.
The standard of umpiring in India’s domestic cricket has gone down over the years. Tiwary called improvement of umpiring in BCCI domestic cricket is of utmost priority. “Umpiring for me is the main concern. With all due respect, but the standard of umpiring is poor in domestic cricket.
“The BCCI should think about how they can improve umpiring. It is not about one or two seasons but I have been witnessing this for a number of years now. There are big mistakes but there are some childish mistakes as well,” he added.
