ICC should take action against Mohammed Siraj for celebrappeal
ICC should take strict action against Mohammed Siraj for celebrappeals: Cricket greats
There are all kinds of drama found in this Border-Gavaskar series, which of course, is the Border-Gavaskar series. This time, Indian speedster Mohammed Siraj has hit himself right into the eye of the storm. If it was his hot exchange with Australian batter Travis Head during the second Test that got all the attention, it always tends to be the unflinching on-field display during appeals for LBW that opens up the larger debate in cricket circles.
Siraj, fiery and competitive, has been accused of indulging in what is now being dubbed “celebrappeals” — celebrating an LBW decision without appealing to the umpire. This habit has come under criticism from former players and commentators, and discussions about respect for the game and its officials are abuzz once again.
What Happened?
Siraj felt that Marnus Labuschagne was stranded at the front during the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar series and ran up the pitch in celebration, but he did not approach the other end to make an appeal. He simply left it to the umpire’s judgment alone. The Indians didn’t review, and quite embarrassingly, Labuschagne had a very clear inside edge on replays.
It wasn’t the first such occasion. Siraj had a similar case against Travis Head in the first Test, which went to an umpire’s call after a DRS review.
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The Criticism
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke rained venom upon Siraj for his behavior and said that the ICC should intervene. Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Clarke said:
“Siraj should be fined for keeping on appealing for LBWs and not asking the umpire. He just runs down like they’re out. I’m surprised the ICC hasn’t taken action.”
Clarke also drew parallels with his playing days, recalling how bowlers were fined for not appealing properly. “Brett Lee faced this issue, and it was made clear that respect for the umpire is non-negotiable,” he added.
The same feelings were shared by Ricky Ponting and Alister Nicholson, who were in the commentary box. Nicholson mentioned that such antics annoy umpires, while Ponting talked about the disrespect that comes with not accepting the men in authority. Is It Against the Rules?
The celebrappeals have not outright flouted the laws of cricketing, but they certainly did dent the spirit of the game. Umpires need the formal appeals to get on with their decision-making, and celebrating well before increases the undue pressure. Former Australian pacer Stuart Clark said,
“It didn’t look great. It puts so much pressure on the umpire in an inappropriate way. If I were a match referee, I’d make it clear that this behavior has to stop.”
The ICC has yet to comment on this. But incidents of this kind do open a window for potential rule enforcement to maintain decorum and respect on the field.
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A Larger Debate
Cricket always remains a gentleman’s game, but the fieriness of modern cricket sometimes overrides everything. Mohammed Siraj is that sort of expressive player, and the commitment has just bubbled from inside to prove himself. Still, skeptics indicate that this act would make for a bad precedent among all junior players.
Yet, for some of their fans, this is just part of the evolution of the sport. High-octane matches, full stadiums, and rivalries often bring out the rawest emotions, adding to the entertainment value.
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The Future
While the Border-Gavaskar series is still on, it has to be seen whether Siraj or others are sanctioned for such behavior. But this debate did show a key aspect of the game – that competitive intensity must be blended with respect for the laws and its officials.
The response of the ICC will be watched as cricket evolves in the face of such incidents.
This controversy has also reminded us that cricket, though changing, needs to retain some of its core values. Respect for the game and its officials will always be part of its identity.
FAQs
- What is a “celebrappeal” in cricket?
An appeal to celebrate a decision given for LBW, without actually appealing to the umpire.
- Why is Mohammed Siraj getting slammed for celebrappeals?
Siraj has come under criticism several times for celebrappeals upon getting LBW, which is seen by some as disrespectful to the game.
- Are celebrappeals against cricket rules?
While not specifically against the rules, celebrappeals are against the spirit of the game and can put undue pressure on umpires.
- Has the ICC taken action against celebrappeals?
As of now, the ICC has not announced any action specifically against celebrappeals, but players may face fines for disrespectful conduct.
