A major moment in cricket’s power dynamics erupted in November 2001 when India, with the backing of South Africa, forced the removal of International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Mike Denness. In light of the move, the Centurion Test was branded unofficial. The dispute followed the second Test in Port Elizabeth, where Denness sanctioned six Indian players, including captain Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar, for breaches of the code of conduct. India objected strongly, arguing the penalties were unjust, and requested his removal for the next match. Despite negotiations, the ICC refused to intervene, and Denness declined to step aside voluntarily. In response, the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) announced that Denis Lindsay would officiate as referee for the third Test at Centurion. In its statement, the UCBSA said, “South African cricket and the South African public in general cannot afford the cancellation of this Test match… The South African Government, through Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour, has instructed the UCBSA to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the Test match goes ahead.” The board confirmed that chief executive Gerald Majola had informed ICC chief Malcolm Speed that Denness would not be allowed access to the referee’s position at the ground.
Poll
Do you think India was justified in objecting to Mike Denness’s decisions during the 2001 Test series?
The Centurion match, played from November 23, 2001, went ahead with Lindsay as referee. South Africa piled up 566 for 8 declared, while India made 232 and 261, falling to an innings defeat. It remained classified as ‘unofficial’.
