“Lack of regard for the spirit of cricket” – Daryl Harper on MS Dhoni halting the game during the first qualifying match against GT

Former ICC umpire Daryl Harper has criticized Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni for not respecting the spirit of the game during IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans on May 23 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

During the second innings of the match, prior to the 16th over, Dhoni had a dispute with the umpires. Since CSK seamer Matheesha Pathirana had been off the field for a few minutes, he was not permitted to bowl immediately upon his return. According to the rules, any participant who has been off the field for more than eight minutes before bowling must spend the same amount of time on the field.

However, Dhoni wanted to call the Sri Lankan seamer back into the attack within five minutes of his return and argued with the on-field umpires in an apparent attempt to waste time. Following the incident, Daryl Harper criticized Dhoni for lacking reverence for the Spirit of the Game and the umpires on the field.

“Of course, MS Dhoni wasted time waiting for his preferred bowler to deliver the crucial sixteenth over.” This is the only conclusion I can derive from that depressing display. For me, the issue is the disrespect shown for the spirit of cricket and the umpires’ instructions. Harper was quoted by MyKhel as saying, “There were other options for captain, but they were disregarded.”

Disappointing to see the lengths to which some individuals will go to win: Daryl Harper
The 71-year-old further stated that perhaps some individuals are greater than the law and that it is disheartening that people will do anything to succeed.

“Perhaps some individuals are greater than the law or, in this instance, the Spirit of cricket. It is always disheartening to see how far some people will go to triumph,” the former Australian umpire said.

CSK advanced to the IPL 2023 final by defeating Gujarat Titans by 15 runs; the final will be played on May 28 in Ahmedabad. Ruturaj Gaikwad (60 runs off 44 deliveries) helped CSK post 172/7 after being called in to bat. In response, GT were bowled out for 157 thanks to the collective efforts of all CSK bowlers, which enabled the team to advance to its tenth IPL final.