In a move to enhance safety measures, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has mandated that all umpires officiating matches at the city’s maidans must wear helmets. This directive comes after the tragic death of local cricketer Jayesh Savla at Dadkar Maidan in Matunga earlier this year. Savla was fatally struck by a ball hit during a match on an adjacent plot.
The MCA’s decision aims to prevent such incidents by ensuring the safety of umpires on fields where multiple matches are played simultaneously. In a communication dated May 23, MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik highlighted the crucial role of maidans like Azad, Cross, Oval, Shivaji Park, and Dadkar in promoting cricket, while also acknowledging the safety concerns they pose.
Naik wrote, “The maidans in Mumbai play a very crucial role in the development and promotion of the game of cricket within MCA’s jurisdiction. The MCA is fortunate to have Azad, Cross, Oval, Shivaji Park and Dadkar maidan within its jurisdiction. At the same time, the maidans also pose a safety concern to the players as well as the umpires since multiple matches are played simultaneously there.”
Naik further stated, “The apex council took a note of this situation and to safeguard the umpires from serious injury, has decided to issue this advisory to the umpires. It is recommended that the umpires wear a helmet at the time of officiating the matches at the maidans in order to safeguard themselves from potentially serious and life-threatening injury. We wish you all the best of health.”
This measure aligns with previous instances where umpires have adopted protective gear following accidents. Notably, BCCI Panel umpire Pashchim Pathak wore a helmet after Australian umpire John Ward was struck by a shot during a Ranji Trophy match in 2015.
Reflecting on the incident, Pathak said, “In the aftermath of the John Ward accident, which was indeed a thought-provoking incident, a strong desire to protect oneself was felt. John was lucky to survive but on another day someone else may not be. It is not about thinking negative or being afraid of the ball. It is about being practical in protecting oneself.”
Pathak added, “We all have been umpiring over a period of time and most of us have never got hit. So what is the need to protect is a question which may immediately strike the mind. Wearing protective equipment is like having an insurance policy. It can come handy when it really matters and this may be only once in a lifetime. I had never worn a helmet while umpiring prior to the John Ward accident, but felt like trying out one.”
The MCA’s apex council, recognizing the practical need for this measure, hopes to ensure the health and safety of umpires officiating in Mumbai’s vibrant cricket scene.
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