Don’t stop game for a little drop of rain, umpires should make greater efforts to resume action: Farokh Engineer

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer felt that the umpires should try to get the cricket match underway however possible and not stop for slight drizzles. The rain has been a huge barrier in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia and the latest game to be abandoned was between Ireland and Afghanistan due to continuous rainfall without a ball being bowled. 

Before this, the game between Zimbabwe and South Africa was called off despite shortening the game and a point was snatched from the Proteas hands due to the persistent rains. The game between Afghanistan and New Zealand was also washed out without a ball bowled. It has been that kind of a tournament where the net run-rate is going to play a major part once the business end starts.

I don’t see why cricket is pampered so much: Farokh Engineer 

Farokh mentioned with the reference of football where umpires go on with the game during slight drizzles and questioned why cricket is not treated in the same manner. He felt that rain affects both the sides and urged the umpires to get things back in place as soon as possible rather than thinking a lot.  

“I think the umpires should make a greater effort to start the game. Very slight drizzle in football, they will carry on playing and I don’t see why cricket is pampered so much. If it’s a slight drizzle, it affects both the teams. Ok, you will get the ball wet and there’s the drying things but get out in the middle as quickly as possible and try to get in many overs. Think about the spectators in the ground, people watching on the television, people listening on radio,” Farokh Engineer told on 'BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti' show on CricTracker.

Farokh Engineer also noted that both teams will have similar advantage or disadvantage and added that the little drops of rain should not stop a cricket game.  

“For the fan’s sake and game’s sake, try and play because it's an advantage or disadvantage to both the teams. A little drop of rain and suddenly the game is stopped in cricket and I’m against that. That is where you need more strict match referees with a bit of muscle and ICC has got some weak match referees,” he added.