By IANS
Sydney : Besieged Steve Bucknor has pocketed $120,000 in the past 12 months – for 34 days of officiating, it was reported by the Australian media here Sunday.
As cricket’s most experienced umpire fights to save his illustrious career, it has been learned Bucknor, a Jamaican citizen, earned a six-figure salary in 2007 for the equivalent of just over a month’s work, the Herald Sun reported.
The 61-year-old’s wage, a flat rate paid by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to its elite umpiring panel, equates to about $440 an hour for on-field duties.
But former Test quick Len Pascoe defended Bucknor, saying ICC umpires’ exhaustive travel demands warranted a $250,000-a-year salary.
While Bucknor is a venerated figure in umpiring circles, a series of blunders has prompted critics to question whether he retains the sharp eye and concentration to remain a top-performing ICC official.
In a forgettable eight-month period, Bucknor:
Was part of the umpiring squad that misinterpreted the rules regarding bad light at the World Cup in April, prompting the farcical finish to the final between Australia and Sri Lanka, which ended in darkness.
Was subsequently suspended by the ICC for the Twenty20 World Championships in September.
Delayed filling in his visa application in November, preventing him taking his place for the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka in Brisbane.
Failed to give Australian century-maker Andrew Symonds out to a regulation caught behind when he was 30 on day one of the second Test against India.
Failed to refer a stumping decision to third umpire Bruce Oxenford with Symonds on 148 as replays indicated the all-rounder’s heel was raised and outside the crease.
Bucknor has previously indicated his desire to continue umpiring until 2011, by which time the veteran of a record 120 Test matches will celebrate his 65th birthday.
But Pascoe said it was time for the ICC to remove Bucknor from the heat of battle and use his experience in a consultancy role.
“I think once an umpire reaches the 60 (age) bracket he should be placed in a mentor/statesman role and not in the heat of battle expecting perfect vision,” Pascoe said.
“I don’t care who it is, when you reach 60 you are not at the peak of your powers.
“Is someone Bucknor’s age as sharp as someone who is in their late 30s? I doubt it.”
Bucknor oversaw four Test matches and 16 ODIs in 2007. He was not required for third umpire or match referee duties, meaning he was employed in an on-field capacity for just 34 days.