IPL is the toughest to officiate: Yeshwant Barde

PANAJI: The recently-ended season of Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 has had its share of controversies and umpiring howlers. Even ICC Elite Panel umpires fell into the trap, once inviting the ire of RCB captain Virat Kohli.


The one who stayed away from all the controversies was Goa’s only umpire

Yeshwant Barde

. He officiated 11 matches and none of his decisions were wrong, except when Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya was given out LBW after Rajasthan Royals opted for the DRS.

“I am really happy with my performance. Umpires can assume they have done a good job when they are not in the news. Pandya decision is not counted as an error as per our guidelines,” said Barde, who was officiating in his third IPL season.

The 46-year-old Goan has officiated in 50 First Class matches and a little over 100 domestic one-dayers and T20s. Now, he is looking for more.

“We are always under pressure. We can’t take things lightly. ICC Elite Panel umpires also say that IPL is the toughest league in the world because there is media scrutiny, franchise pressure, packed stadium, noise and DJs. There are lot of emotions involved, sometimes we can’t hear anything,” said Barde, a veteran of 50 First Class matches and over 100 domestic one-dayers and T20s.

Barde said many of their decisions, particularly in the IPL is based on instinct and experience.

“In noisy IPL matches, we have to back ourselves. As far as no balls are concerned, it is always a close call. We stand far back to have a tunnel view, a term we use in umpiring circles for tracking the ball trajectory. So, it could happen. I believe it was a marginal call (RCB vs Mumbai Indians),” said Barde.

With the launch of Decision Review System (DRS), umpires have come under immense spotlight.

“I support the DRS system. It has minimised errors and is good for the game. When the team loses a review, it vindicates our decision and vice-versa,” said Barde.

With S Ravi being the only Indian in the ICC Elite Panel, Barde has set his sights on becoming another one from India, although there is a long road ahead.

“BCCI is considering me and Anil Dandekar for more assignments. One of us will be promoted. I got two exchange programmes that means I am doing well. I need to get selected into India’s Emerging Panel. I have my task cut out,” said Barde.