adminAS a languages major at university, it has always gotten into me when people pronounce words te wrong in whatever language. In Zimbabwe, people pronounce the word umpire as empire, which are two different words by the way. It is pronounced (uhmpaya) and not (ehmpaya). With that out of the way, let us get down to the main businessMy main understanding of cricket is based on the understanding of a sport that is played mainly on the dusty streets of the southern suburbs of Zimbabwe called hwishu.
This game is played without officials, but the players themselves officiate each other. In cricket though there officials who make sure that the game goes on without any cheating.
Officials
The game is officiated by two umpires who make all decisions on the field and whose word is absolutely final. One umpire stands behind the non-striker’s wicket ready to make judgements on Leg Before Wickets (LBWs) and other events requiring a decision. The other umpire stands in line with the batsman who is batting’s popping crease, about 20 metres (20 yards) to one side (usually the leg side, but not always), ready to judge stumpings and run-outs at his end. The umpires remain at their respective ends of the pitch, thus swapping roles every over when the bowling change sides.
If the technology is available for a given match, a third umpire is sometimes used. He sits off the field, with a television replay monitor.
If an on-field umpire is unsure of a decision concerning either a run out or a stumping attempt, he may signal for the third umpire to view a television replay.
The third umpire views a replay, until he either reaches a decision or decides that he cannot make a clear decision. He signals the result on a screen (if provided) to the on-field umpire and the players and the supporters.
The on field who must then abide by it. If the equipment fails, the replay umpire signals no decision. The replay umpire cannot be used for any decisions other than run outs, stumpings and drop or catches. The third umpire is also used to verify if a fielder has touched the ropes of the boundary when fielding a ball that has gotten close to the boundary.
Whenever any decision is in doubt, the umpire must rule in favour of the batsman.
If the ball hits an umpire, it is still live and play continues. If it lodges in an umpire’s clothing, then it is dead.
The game is also presided over by a match referee who watches from outside the field. The referee makes no decisions of relevance to the outcome of the game, but determines penalties for breaches of various rules and misconduct.
In professional games, these penalties are monetary fines.Arguing with an umpire’s decision is simply not allowed at all. Anything more than a polite question to the umpires is heavily frowned upon and could attract a penalty from the referee.
A serious misconduct in a cricket match is of the order of a rude gesture to an opponent or throwing the ball into the ground in disgust.
Such gross misbehaviour would attract large fines and possibly match suspensions. Penalties for physical violence can only be guessed at, but would possibly be a career suspension.
As a sport that commands a lot of discipline on and off the field, cricket is a very gentlemen’s game.
All the actions that one takes will have an impact (either positive or negative) on one’s career.
My wish is that one day we develop our own game hwishu into a well-structured sport that will have us proud. See you in the next innings.
Online Reporter