From Coin Flip To DRS Disputes: Are Umpires Mumbai Indians' 12th Man In IPL 2024?

Mumbai Indians continued their resurgence in IPL 2024 with a hard-fought 9-run victory over the Punjab Kings on Thursday. However, the match was overshadowed by several umpiring decisions that sparked allegations of bias towards the five-time champions. After winning the toss, Punjab Kings opted to field first at the picturesque Mullanpur Cricket Stadium. Despite losing Ishan Kishan early, solid knocks from Suryakumar Yadav (78), Rohit Sharma (36) and Tilak Varma (34*) propelled Mumbai to an imposing 192/7. In reply, PBKS were left reeling at 14/4 before Shashank Singh (41) and Ashutosh Sharma (61) launched a valiant fightback. But ultimately, their 183/9 fell just short as Jasprit Bumrah (3/21) and the MI bowling attack held their nerve.

I got the video downloaded before pic.twitter.com/ToZBwd2Siw

— MODI OUT, NO BJP (@footyxg) April 18, 2024

_ Toss Update _

Punjab Kings win the toss and elect to bowl against Mumbai Indians.

Follow the Match __ https://t.co/m7TQkWeGn7#TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/soKlffZDxX

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2024

Umpiring Controversies Galore

While MI showed champions' poise, the match was marred by several umpiring calls that favored the visitors and sparked furious debates on social media.

Coin Toss Controversy Reignited

Weeks after the coin toss controversy in their match against RCB, cameras zoomed in to capture the coin landing during the toss - likely to quell any suspicions after claims of impropriety last time.

Dubious Wide Calls

A seemingly legitimate wide call against Arshdeep Singh in the 15th over was overturned after MI reviewed, with the third umpire deeming it a legal delivery despite it passing well wide of Tim David's bat. However, it was the very next delivery that really set tongues wagging. Suryakumar hammered the ball through covers, only for Nitin Menon to signal a wide much to PBKS's disbelief - with replays suggesting the ball was well within David's reach.  

Caught Behind Controversy

The Pakistan-born duo of Shashank and Ashutosh had revived PBKS's hopes with a brilliant 89-run stand. But controversy struck when Menon ruled Ashutosh out caught behind in the 17th over despite him appearing to miss the ball. Though PBKS reviewed, Menon stuck to his call with the hotspot appearing inconclusive, leading to furious protests from the PBKS camp citing bias.

Social Media Erupts

Fans were split on the impartiality of the umpiring, with #UmpiresBias and #MIChampions trending on Twitter as allegations of favoring the Mumbai franchise surfaced. "Once again, another shameful display of umpiring in favor of MI. From dodgy wides to dubious caught behinds - is the IPL scripted for them to win?" fumed one fan. Others cited past instances like the infamous 2019 no-ball controversy and Faizu Nazar's controversial wide call in the 2008 IPL final as proof of long-standing bias. However, MI supporters countered that umpiring errors were simply part of the game, adding: "Bad umpiring is lapped up when it's against MI but conveniently ignored when they benefit. #Halademocracy." As umpiring standards continue being scrutinized, the controversy provided an unsavory backdrop to a classic IPL encounter - once again shining an uncomfortable spotlight on the game's officiating.