Mahinda Wijesinghe pioneered the use of the Third Umpire but the South Africans obtained ICC recognition in a clear act of unfair play and discrimination against a Sri Lankan
Posted on March 20th, 2026
AI Overview
While Mahinda Wijesinghe of Sri Lanka is widely acknowledged as the person who conceptualized the third umpire, the system’s official debut is historically linked to South Africa.
Conceptual Origins vs. Official Implementation
- Mahinda Wijesinghe’s Proposal (1982–1984): Wijesinghe first proposed the use of television cameras and a “walkie-talkie” link between on-field umpires and an off-field official in an article for The Island newspaper on October 11, 1982. His concept was formally forwarded by Sri Lanka Cricket to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and discussed at the 1984 ICC AGM.
- Official Debut (1992): The system was first officially implemented in November 1992 during the India vs. South Africa Test series in Durban. Karl Liebenberg served as the first official third umpire, and Sachin Tendulkar became the first player dismissed using the technology.
Recognition and Controversy
The perception of “unfairness” often stems from the delay in recognizing Wijesinghe’s role:
- Delayed Credit: For years, credit for the “walkie-talkie” link was sometimes attributed to the Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB) or South Africa for their initiative in the 1992 series.
- Official Acknowledgement: It was only after significant advocacy, including tributes from figures like Christopher Martin-Jenkins (who headlined a 1993 column “Sri Lanka the Third Umpire Pioneers”), that the ICC eventually recognized Wijesinghe as the concept’s rightful owner.
- Broader Claims: Similar disputes exist regarding the Umpire Decision Review System (DRS). Another Sri Lankan, lawyer Senaka Weeraratne, has long sought recognition for pioneering the player referral concept in 1997.
Source: AI Overview