Steve Bucknor expresses regret over giving Sachin Tendulkar out 22 years ago

Steve Bucknor expresses regret over giving Sachin Tendulkar out 22 years ago (Source – Getty Images)

More than two decades after one of the most controversial umpiring decisions, former West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor has finally admitted that he made a mistake in adjudging Sachin Tendulkar leg-before-wicket during the 2003-04 Test at the Gabba.

The incident occurred during the first Test of India’s tour of Australia in Brisbane. Tendulkar, then at the peak of his career, was batting on three when Australian pacer Jason Gillespie delivered a ball that hit him high on the pads as he attempted to leave it. A loud appeal followed, and Bucknor raised his finger. Television replays later confirmed that the ball was clearly going over the stumps. In the commentary box, the late Tony Greig called it a dreadful decision.

The 79-year-old has publicly acknowledged the error in an interview with the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association. Reflecting on the moment, he said giving Tendulkar out LBW was a mistake and admitted that people continue to talk about it even today.

“Giving Sachin Tendulkar out leg-before-wicket, and it’s a matter of knowing that it was a mistake, but until this day, every day, people talk about it. Why did I give him out? Was he out and so on? But then in life, mistakes happen. I have accepted that it was a mistake, and life goes on,” Bucknor said.

The Brisbane Test eventually ended in a draw, with Indian captain Sourav Ganguly scoring 144. However, Tendulkar’s early dismissal remained a talking point long after the match concluded. That was not the only controversial call involving Bucknor and Tendulkar. In 2005, during a Test against Pakistan at Eden Gardens, Bucknor adjudged Tendulkar caught behind off Abdul Razzaq despite only a muted appeal. Replays showed a clear gap between bat and ball, further triggering criticism.

Notably, Tendulkar himself addressed the topic during an interactive session in 2024, joking that when he was batting, Bucknor should be made to wear boxing gloves so he could not raise his finger. Meanwhile, Bucknor officiated in 128 Tests between 1989 and 2009 and holds the unique record of standing in five consecutive Cricket World Cup finals from 1992 to 2007.

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