Former Australian umpire Darrell Hair questions Muttiah Murlitharan’s action yet again
Former Australian umpire Darrell Hair has yet again accused legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Muttiah-Muralitharan-c78157 of chucking. Hair claimed that the veteran bowler bowled quite a few illegal deliveries in the ICC World Cup 2011 match against Pakistan, which
the hosts lost by 11 runs.
The former umpire claimed, “A few (officials) have told me, ‘there is definitely something wrong with his (Murlitharan’s) action, but I’m not going to call him.”
He further added, “If you’re an umpire you’re meant to uphold the law so both teams get a fair shake. There have been some umpires who think, ‘I’m on a good wicket here, I’m making good money, and I won’t rock the boat.'”
This is not the first time that Hair has openly criticised Muralitharan. The veteran off-spinner was reported for a suspect action against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in a Test match in Melbourne back in 1995, by the same umpire. Hair gave seven no-balls during the Muralitharan's
spell in that game, which sparked a controversy.
However, Murali’s action was later cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) twice after the sport’s governing body had conducted extensive tests. According to reports, Murali’s action created a doubt due to the deformity of his right elbow.
The comments against Murali come ahead of today's crucial ICC World Cup 2011 encounter between the Kangaroos and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758. This may have been an attempt by the former umpire to distract the hosts in today’s match.
Hair has been under the spotlight for giving controversial statements against other teams as well in the past, especially Pakistan. Hair, one of the most controversial umpires in cricket, once called former Pakistan captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-Khan-c64237 an “umpiring fundamentalist.”
Even though several players faced problems because of the controversial Australian umpire, Hair also had some tough times, following the walk out by the Pakistan cricket team in a Test match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c749 in 2006.
Hair accused the Men-in-Green, led by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 team was not pleased with the allegation, and forfeited the match. After failing to provide evidence against Pakistan, Hair was temporarily banned
from officiating as an umpire.
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