India National Cricket Team vs Australia National Cricket Team: Former umpire Steve Bucknor has admitted that a controversial decision against Sachin Tendulkar two decades ago was a mistake. Speaking in an interview with the West Indies Cricket Umpires' Association, the 79-year-oldreflected on the LBW call that dismissed Tendulkar during a Test match against Australia at The Gabba in 2003-04.

"Giving Sachin Tendulkar out leg before wicket, and it's a matter of knowing that it was a mistake, but until this day, every day, people talk about it," Bucknor said. "Why did I give him out? Was he out and so on? But then in life, mistakes happen. I have accepted that it was a mistake, and life goes on."

The disputed decision occurred during a 2003-04 Test at Brisbane’s Gabba, where Tendulkar was given out LBW following an appeal by Australian bowler Jason Gillespie and teammates. Television replays later showed the ball would have missed the stumps. At the time, cricket commentator the late Tony Greig called it a “dreadful” decision.

It was not the only disputed call involving Bucknor and Tendulkar. In a match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens in 2005, the Jamaican adjudged Tendulkar caught behind off Abdul Razzaq despite a half-hearted appeal. Replays, however, showed a wide gap between the bat and the ball.

During a fan interaction in 2024, Tendulkar joked about their history, saying, "When I am batting, give him boxing gloves to wear (so he cant raise his finger)."

Bucknor, now retired, officiated in 128 Test matches from 1989 to 2009 and stood in five consecutive World Cup finals. He remains one of cricket’s most recognized umpires despite the controversies.