Was it because both the umpires were from Australia that they were left to fend for themselves, in the confusion that was created when the terrorists attacked the bus in which the Sri Lankan players were travelling. Both the umpires who were doing the duty in Sri Lanka, Simon Taufel and Steve Davis feel that they left "helpless" and completely alone as bullets rained on their van in Pakistan this week.

Taufel, 38, and fellow Australian umpire Steve Davis, survived an ambush on the Sri Lankan squad and umpires' convoy that left their driver dead and another colleague critically injured. Simon Taufel presently is the top umpire, in cricket. It is not known whether they wee provided a safe passage to the airport or they were left to fend for themselves there as well. There is a relief on being away from a life and death situation but anger at the manner in which the umpires were left stranded in a "war zone".

He has raised a technical issue, which would be difficult for the PCB to answer. His query is straight forward:" How was it that when 25 armed commandos were in our convoy and when the team bus got going again we were left on our own," Taufel wondered.

It may be investigated, but what if life of any of the umpires was lost in the confusion. An umpire also gives his own report to the ICC and if an indicting report goes, it could create further problems for the cricket in Pakistan. In the hour of need the umpires were not provided any security. The moot point of the whole issue is that none of the media professionals who have been writing reams on this topic did not think, but for this reporter to raise this issue. At least in the Indian media this issue was not highlighted at all.

It was the sheer presence of mind of a policeman that saved the life of Pakistani umpire Ahsan Raza.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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