Game on

Mumbai: Six players (read BCCI mandarins) are involved in one heck of a match.

After a particularly long huddle at the BCCI Headquarters, fast bowlers decided to hunt in pack. They read the prevailing pitch conditions perfectly and unleashed a reverse-swinging yorker. Before the batsman, IMG, could adjust to the length, the ball curled in sharply, evaded the bat and landed on the front foot. The batsman was visibly hurt and was seen hobbling around the batting crease.

In turn, the bowling side went up in air, appealing vociferously. Verdict: IMG was declared lbw after batting impressively for two ‘sessions’.

However, the television replay showed that the batsman’s front foot was outside the off-stump. The umpire had got it wrong or at least the premise on which the decision was given seemed incorrect.

The decision did not go down well with the batting side. Moreover, the umpire’s raised finger created a furor among other players and their supporters.

The batsman asked the umpire for a review, thanks to the umpire’s referral system. A letter from an industrialist supporter was dashed to the third umpire. A few other supporters joined in, showing their outrage at the decision.

Meanwhile, the giant TV screen kept showing the dismissal.

As it happens, always, the letters were selectively leaked to the media. Known for its ravenous appetite, the media fell for it hook, line and sinker. What followed was an absolute frenzy, as rumours and speculations flew thick and fast. Now, the game had gone ‘beyond the boundary’.

Having acquired the image of a bulwark of contemporary Indian cricket, the third umpire realized that the decision will have a huge ramification. The decision will deliver a bodyline blow, if it’s not fair. More importantly, it should come across as one.

It was time for another huddle. This time the third umpire called for it. He considered evidences and views of both the sides. Known for his legendary skills of juggling and tightrope walking at the same time, which can leave even a seasoned trapeze artist speechless, the third umpire surprised everyone by nominating yet another umpire to arrive at a decision.

As reputation of both players and the cricket board is at stake, the new umpire has been given three-week’s time for the verdict. After considering the evidences from replays, snickometer and stump camera, the new umpire will place his findings, better still verdict, on September 24.

What will transpire within the four walls of the umpire’s room is anybody’s guess. As the plot thickens, a new game begins — the game of relentless lobbying. Both the sides are likely to move the heavens to influence the verdict.

Will the batsman get the benefit of doubt? Till the D-day, the game of glorious uncertainty is on.