MS Dhoni 'intimidated' me during 2011 Test, ICC should have punished him: Daryl Harper

Former International Cricket Council (ICC) elite umpire Daryl Harper retired from umpiring during West Indies vs India Test series in 2011. Australian was not a popular figure among Indian cricket fans as he was involved in some dubious decision-making when it came to officiating in Indian matches during his umpiring days. One of his most controversial decisions came in 1999 when he gave n Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar out ‘Shoulder Before Wicket’ off bowling of former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath. He was also involved in anor controversy in 2011 when veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni was captain of Indian team.

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Daryl Harper recalls 'threat' by MS Dhoni in 2011

Daryl Harper recently interacted with Asianet Newsable. During interview, he recalled an incident from 2011 Kingston Test between West Indies and India. In match, Daryl Harper banned Test debutant Praveen Kumar from bowling in remainder of West Indies innings for “repeatedly running down middle of pitch into protected area”. He recalled MS Dhoni’s suggestion to him that he should have been more lenient towards newcomer. According to Daryl Harper, “We’ve h trouble with you before” were MS Dhoni’s exact words to him at time.

elaide-born umpire stated that Indian captain was referring to an incident from 2000 where he imposed a similar ban on n-newcomer pacer Ashish Nehra. Daryl Harper jokingly said that maybe MS Dhoni knew name of umpire who h taken action against Ashish Nehra in a Test match back in 2000.

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Apart from Praveen Kumar incident, 2011 Kingston Test was also marred by several umpiring errors. Even though India won match by 63 runs, MS Dhoni me a remark against Daryl Harper in post-match press conference by saying match would have finished much earlier if decisions were me correctly. Australian umpire furr stated in interview that match would also have finished earlier if Indian fielders h held onto ir catches. He wished that he was present during 2011 conference so that he could have set record straight against MS Dhoni.

Daryl Harper also mentioned that Indian skipper even tried to intimidate him, although no concrete evidence has ever originated on that front. n 59-year-old was on course to officiate in two more matches of 2011 series before bringing down curtains to his 13-year umpiring career. However, MS Dhoni’s comments and criticism brought about a two-week early retirement for Australian. Daryl Harper said that while he accepts incorrect decisions he me in match, he believes that ICC should have taken action against Indian wicketkeeper-batsman for his comments.

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Image credit: AP