Steve Bucknor, the former West Indies umpire, has finally admitted that the controversial LBW decision he made against Sachin Tendulkar during the 2003-04 series between India and Australia was a mistake. The decision, which took place in Brisbane, remains one of the most debated moments in cricket history.

The Controversial Incident

During the 2003-04 series in Brisbane, Sachin Tendulkar was batting on a score of 3 when he was given out LBW by Bucknor off a delivery from Jason Gillespie. The decision shocked fans and players alike, as the ball appeared to be missing the stumps. Despite the protests from Tendulkar, Bucknor stuck to his decision, and it quickly became one of the most controversial moments in cricket. At the time, commentator Tony Greig described the decision as "a dreadful decision" and questioned the accuracy of Bucknor’s call, noting the apparent lack of clarity in the delivery’s trajectory.

Steve Bucknor’s Admission

Twenty-two years later, the 79-year-old umpire has come forward to acknowledge the mistake. Speaking to the West Indies Cricket Umpires' Association, Bucknor admitted that Tendulkar should not have been given out, as the ball was clearly going wide of the stumps.

"Giving Sachin Tendulkar out leg before wicket was a mistake. But in life, mistakes happen, and I have accepted that," Bucknor said. "People still talk about it to this day, but I own it. It was a mistake, and life goes on." His admission settles a long-standing debate and puts to rest the mystery surrounding one of cricket's most talked-about decisions.

Tendulkar’s Reaction

Tendulkar, known for his grace on and off the field, was once asked about his thoughts on Bucknor’s decision. In his typical witty style, the cricket legend responded, "When I am batting, give him boxing gloves to wear (so he can't raise his finger)." His lighthearted remark reflects his acceptance of the incident, which is now a part of cricketing history.

Legacy of the Decision

This controversial moment in cricket, often referred to as the "Tendulkar LBW," became more than just an umpire's error; it became a symbol of contentious decisions that sparked debates on the accuracy of on-field calls. While the incident has remained a topic of conversation for years, Bucknor’s acknowledgment provides closure on the matter. Despite this blunder, Steve Bucknor had a distinguished umpiring career, officiating in numerous high-profile matches. However, this LBW decision remains one of the most memorable—and contentious—calls of his career.