More than 20 years after one of cricket’s most controversial umpiring decisions, ex West India official Steve Bucknor admitted that he was wrong. In a recent interview, the 79-year-old said Sachin Tendulkar It was a poor decision during the 2003-04 Brisbane Test and a call that caused a lot of debate at the time.
Controversial call from Steve Bucknor to dismiss Sakin Tendulkar
The incident happened during the first test 2003–04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane. Tendulkar faced the Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie when he decides to leave a delivery that comes back sharply and hits the pads high.
The ball seemed to be going over the stumps on a busy Brisbane pitch. However, after a loud appeal from the Australian players, umpire Bucknor dismissed Tendulkar LBW. The decision surprised everyone as the ball looked too high to hit the stumps. Tendulkar had to return without scoring, dismissed for a three-ball duck.
The decision stunned commentators and fans watching around the world. Former England captain Tony Greigwho is in the comment box, called it a terrible decision on the air. Years later, Bucknor himself admitted that he made a mistake that day, admitting that it was indeed the wrong call.
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Buckor reveals his controversial decision
Speaking to the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association on 24 February 2026, Bucknor opened up about the controversial decision that continues to haunt him many years later. The former umpire admitted that Sachin Tendulkar’s call to get him out LBW in Brisbane was something he could never completely forget.
Bucknor said the incident still comes up in conversations almost every day. Fans, journalists and cricket enthusiasts often remind him of that moment and ask why he made such a decision. He admitted that it was indeed a mistake and took responsibility for it.
“Putting Sachin Tendulkar’s foot out the door… it’s a matter of knowing it was wrong. To this day, every day, people talk about it. Why did I let him go? He was out, etc? But then mistakes happen in life. I accepted it was wrong and life goes on,” Bucknor said.
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