Former India and Bengal batsman Manoj Tiwary has revealed some shocking secrets about the umpires in India's domestic circuit.
Tiwary has recently been in the headlines following his statements about being dropped at the expense of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, questioning MS Dhoni, the-then captain, of his decision to do so.
Bet here on India vs England and other cricket matches!
The 38-year-old made his debut for India in 2008 in the CB Series in Australia and went on to feature in a total of 12 ODIs over a seven-year span. Tiwary also played three T20Is for India.
MORE: Why does Manoj Tiwary think the Ranji Trophy should be scrapped?
What did Manoj Tiwary say about umpires in India's domestic circuit?
Speaking to The Indian Express in an exclusive interview, Tiwary was asked about what his concerns were regarding the Ranji Trophy. Tiwary started by talking about the umpires.
Umpiring for me is the main concern. With all due respect, but the standard of umpiring is poor in domestic cricket. The BCCI should think about how they can improve umpiring. It is not about one or two seasons but I have been witnessing this for a number of years now. There are big mistakes but there are some childish mistakes as well.
Tiwary then elaborated on why he believed the level of umpiring in Ranji Trophy should improve and cited examples from his time as a player, before being asked about what he would recommend the BCCI to do. Here's what he said:
I will definitely do it (giving recommendations to BCCI). If a player has to go through dope tests, it should be extended to domestic umpires. Many times I have seen umpires walking out to the middle while still nursing a hangover. The umpires have looked sleepy. How can he function properly in such a situation?
I asked, “Sir kya liye tha kal raat mein? (Sir, what did you drink last night?). The reply was: “I prefer whisky on the rocks.” And they laugh. BCCI should get the hearing and eyesight of every umpire checked before the start of each season.
What next for Manoj Tiwary?
Tiwary enjoyed a highly successful domestic career with Bengal, even though he couldn't reach the heights he would have dreamt of with India.
Last week, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Tiwary is currently involved in politics and is also the sports minister of Bengal.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Sporting News has editorial oversight for this content. Learn more >