Shajrah: Renowned cricket umpire Darrell Hair feels technology may play a bigger role in decision making in the coming years.
"It is very difficult for an umpire to compete with the television cameras. It probably makes sense to use some form of technology," remarked Hair, who was the star attraction of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Cup match between UAE and Namibia which concluded at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Hair was mobbed by fans for pictures and autographs and he seemed at ease with all of them.
It was hard to believe that this was the same umpire who was at the centre of controversy in the ball-tampering incident at the Oval in 2006 that resulted in Pakistan forfeiting a match in Test cricket's 129-year-old history.
There was no air of arrogance in him as many would want to believe, instead he was extremely soft-spoken and polished in his interactions.
Hair expressed his reluctance to be interviewed, but later agreed to speak on the condition that sensitive questions will be avoided.
Unceremonious exit
This ICC elite panel umpire has not officiated in a Test match since the controversial Test in August 2006. He was banned from umpiring full-member nation matches, following pressure from the Asian countries, but the ICC has cleared him to officiate at the Associate Level.
"I am happy that I am officiating in a four-day match. It feels nice doing my part for the development of the game," said Hair, who has officiated in 10 one-day matches here.
"It was always wonderful to come here and umpire the matches. I have been officiating here since 1995 and always enjoyed the atmosphere since," recalled Hair, whose last match here was the Coca Cola Cup final between India and Pakistan in April 1999.
'Lovely feeling'
Talking about his comeback, he noted: "It is a lovely feeling to come back. I did umpire a few matches in Canada and Ireland during the last few months. So I don't really feel that I have left the game. As soon as I walk out with my colleague, I feel good."
Hair is a veteran of 76 Tests and 135 one-dayers.
"I would like to keep doing my job and contributing to the game. The game needs umpires who are committed to the job and cricket and I would love to be one of those and help them do that," he said.
On that one important quality that every umpire should possess, Hair feels: "Apart from being faultless with eyesight and hearing, you've got to be very demanding on yourself in concentration. You will obviously know the laws to become an umpire, but to go out there and put them into practice requires great concentration."
His concluding remark spoke much about his passion for the game. "I've been umpiring for 32 years and I have no regrets."
