As the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, cricket fever is once again gripping fans worldwide. While star players prepare to battle it out on the field and stadiums fill with enthusiastic spectators, one familiar face will be missing from the umpiring panel—Anil Chaudhary.
Having officiated 226 IPL matches, Anil Chaudhary has now shifted his focus to cricket commentary. He is also gaining attention for explaining cricket rules on his YouTube channel, "Umpire’s Call by Anil Chaudhary." During a visit to the NBT office, he shared his views on various topics, including match-fixing allegations in the IPL.
"Fixing Allegations Are Just Emotional Reactions"
Every IPL season brings intense rivalries, with fans passionately supporting their favorite teams. Sometimes, unexpected match results fuel speculation about match-fixing. When asked about this, Anil Chaudhary dismissed such claims as baseless rumors driven by emotions.
"These are just emotionally charged reactions. T20 cricket is unpredictable by nature, and last-minute twists are common. But allegations of fixing are completely unfounded."
He emphasized that IPL follows international standards and is a highly transparent tournament where every match is closely monitored.
"The T20 format ensures thrilling finishes, and surprises are bound to happen. But doubts about fixing have no solid foundation. My advice to cricket fans is to ignore such rumors and not fall for the so-called ‘WhatsApp experts’ spreading misinformation during the IPL season."
On Sportsmanship and Mankading: "Rules Are Above Emotions"
Addressing the sportsmanship debate, Chaudhary was firm in his stance on Mankading (running out a non-striker who leaves the crease early).
"If a dismissal is within the rules, it is fair. As an umpire, I value the rule book more than subjective ideas of sportsmanship."
He added that a batter stepping out of the crease before the ball is delivered is doing so at their own risk, and the bowler has every right to run them out.
"The game has become so competitive that clinging to old notions of sportsmanship is unrealistic. Everyone wants to win, and following the rules is what truly matters."
With IPL 2025 set to begin, Chaudhary's insights remind fans that T20 cricket thrives on unpredictability, and speculation should not overshadow the spirit of the game.
