22 Years Later, Steve Bucknor Breaks Silence On Controversial Sachin Tendulkar LBW: "Was A Mistake"

In a significant revelation after more than two decades, former cricket umpire Steve Bucknor has acknowledged that his decision to give Sachin Tendulkar out LBW during a Test match against Australia in 2001 was erroneous. The incident, which occurred in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Kolkata, has been a topic of debate among cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike, often cited as one of the most controversial moments in the sport's history. Bucknor, who officiated for many years and is considered one of the leading umpires of his time, expressed regret over the call, stating that he misjudged the delivery. Tendulkar, who was then at the peak of his career, went on to have an illustrious journey, becoming one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, but the LBW decision has lingered in the minds of fans. This acknowledgment from Bucknor not only highlights the fallibility of even the best officials in high-pressure situations but also serves as a reminder of the impact of such decisions on players' careers and match outcomes. As cricket continues to evolve with technology like DRS (Decision Review System), this admission prompts reflections on the importance of accurate officiating in the game.