NZ v WI 2020: Jason Holder questions use of "home umpires" in COVID-19 times

The ICC had revoked the neutral umpires policy earlier this year on an interim basis.

Jason Holder | GettyAfter the end of the series in New Zealand, West Indies skipper Jason Holder called for a return to normalcy on the umpiring front, questioning the use of "home" officials amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Holder didn't have an issue with the decision-making in Hamilton and Wellington where his team suffered consecutive innings defeat, but said there is no reason why umpires can't fly across and do their quarantine before officiating matches. 

Read Also: "Haven't seen home in last six months now" Jason Holder talks about life in bio-bubbles

In wake of "logistical challenges with international travel" in these difficult times, the International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier this year revoked the neutral umpires policy, which was introduced 26 years back, on an interim basis. 

Holder said both the Kiwi umpires "did a reasonable job", "but, I don't understand a situation where we're having home umpires."

"If we can travel and do a quarantine, I don't see why an opposing (team) umpire can't do the travel and quarantine. If players are making the sacrifice and go on the road and continue cricket then I feel as though the umpires should do the same."

"If it's a case where you get a home and an opposing umpire to do a Test match then I think that's fair," he added. 

The 2-0 series loss to the Black Caps further held back Holder's team in the World Test Championship points table. They remain third from the bottom in the standings after a solitary win from seven outings in the ongoing cycle. 

New Zealand, on the other hand, are now third in the nine-team league and a step closer to qualifying for the next year's Lord's final. 

The Calypso Kings now travel to Bangladesh in January while the Kiwis next host Pakistan in their home summer. 

(Inputs from AFP)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 14 Dec, 2020

    Share Via