Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Why India-Japan T20I Match Had No Third Umpire
During the India-Japan cricket match, India thought a Japanese batter might be run out.
Shreyas Iyer threw the ball directly at the stumps.
India appealed, but the umpire had not been looking at the stumps at the important moment.
Usually, a third umpire can watch television replays to help decide such plays.
This match did not have a third umpire.
Because of that, the decision could not be checked by replay.
Japan was allowed to keep playing, and its batters completed two runs.
The match used only the two umpires on the field for decisions.
India appealed for a run-out after Shreyas Iyer’s direct hit at the bowler’s end.
The umpire could not confidently decide because his eyes were away from the stumps.
The match had no television or third umpire assigned to review close calls.
Chris Brown and Chris Thurgate were the on-field umpires, with Vengalil Narayanan Kutty as referee.
Japan’s batters were allowed to continue, and two runs from the overthrow stood.
- Who
- India, Japan, the on-field umpires Chris Brown and Chris Thurgate, and match referee Vengalil Narayanan Kutty.
- What
- India appealed for a run-out, but the decision could not be reviewed because the match had no third umpire.
- When
- During the one-off India-Japan T20I; the articles do not provide a date.
- Where
- In the India-Japan one-off T20I; the specific venue is not stated.
- Why
- The fixture’s official umpiring arrangement did not include a television or third umpire.
- Match
- India vs Japan one-off T20I
- Appeal
- India appealed after Shreyas Iyer made a direct hit at the bowler’s end.
- On-field umpires
- Chris Brown and Chris Thurgate
- Match referee
- Vengalil Narayanan Kutty
- Third umpire
- No TV or third umpire was assigned
- Outcome
- Japan’s two runs, including an overthrow, were allowed to stand