Crackdown on counties criticising umpires on social media
Counties have been warned they could face sanctions for criticising umpiring decisions on social media.
In an attempt to protect officials from pile-ons from fans, the counties were informed by the England and Wales Cricket Board this week that the Cricket Regulator was 'actively looking at social media posts from clubs, specifically around dissent to umpiring decisions'.
It added that clubs should not 'post negatively about officiating decisions'. The guidance applies to both men's and women's county action.
The 18 counties all have hundreds of thousands of followers across their men's and women's teams' accounts on X, Instagram and TikTok.
During matches they use the accounts to keep fans up to date with scores, posting descriptions of wickets or showing clips of the action.
It has been felt that some posts have veered into overt criticism of the officiating, and has incited engagement from fans over the quality of the umpires, who have no access to the Decision Review System at county level.
It is understood that umpires have been hurt and frustrated by fans' criticism, and there are concerns that it could affect their confidence.
Even describing a dismissal as 'adjudged' or 'given' lbw – which raises doubt over the correctness of the decision – could be considered loaded language.
The below social media post by Somerset is an example of an instance that generated a huge reaction among fans and caused a social media pile-on against the umpire in question.
OUT!!!!!! A magnificant innings from D'Oliveira is over as he's adjudged LBW!!!
LIVE STREAM ➡️ https://t.co/aRtGCP76ez #SOMvWOR #WeAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/SeLjdiiuOx
— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) April 7, 2025
It is understood that in the first case, advice would informally be offered to the club or individual over the nature of their posting. If it persisted, they could be issued a caution, or even be charged with bringing the game into disrepute.
Players are also encouraged not to criticise umpires from their personal accounts. Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, is among those who have questioned decisions before. The regulator would have the power to intervene in such cases, too.
The regulator was launched in 2023 to 'ensure compliance with the game's rules and regulations'. It is described as 'ring-fenced from the rest of the ECB' and has an 'independent board'.
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