Umpire Steve Bucknor Reflects on Controversial Sachin Tendulkar Decision from 2003

A Regrettable Call from the Past

In a surprising revelation, umpire Steve Bucknor has acknowledged that his decision during the 2003 Brisbane Test, which infuriated Indian cricket fans, was incorrect. This incident occurred during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy match between India and Australia, where Bucknor ruled Sachin Tendulkar out after facing just three balls. The dismissal has been a topic of discussion for years, often resurfacing on social media.

For those unfamiliar with the event, Tendulkar attempted to leave a delivery that pitched outside the off-stump, but it struck his pads. After a brief pause, Bucknor raised his finger, leaving Tendulkar visibly stunned. Commentator Tony Greig remarked, 'That is a dreadful decision,' even before the replays were shown, which indicated the ball would have gone over the stumps. Watch here

Reflecting on the incident, Bucknor expressed his regret, stating, "Giving Sachin Tendulkar out leg before wicket was a mistake I have to live with. To this day, people discuss it—wondering why I made that call. Mistakes are part of life, and I have come to terms with it." He shared these thoughts during an interview with the West Indies Cricket Umpires' Association. This was not the only controversial moment for Bucknor involving the Indian team; he also officiated during the contentious Sydney Test in 2008, where he made several disputed decisions against India.