![Umpire hit in DPL 2026 match [Source: DPL Instagram]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1787038721166_DPL2026Umpirehit.jpg?type=hq)
Umpire hit in DPL 2026 match [Source: DPL Instagram]
The Delhi Premier League 2026 has been going down in full swing, with teams ready to fight for the top spots ahead of the qualifiers.
As the intensity increased during a match between East Delhi Riders and New Delhi Tigers on Monday, on-field umpire Dharmesh Bhardwaj was severely injured after being struck by a cricket ball on the field.
The injury immediately left him in immense pain, and he later had to be admitted to the intensive care unit for assessment.
Umpire gets hit in the face, admitted to the ICU later
During the 18th over of New Delhi Tigers' run chase, batter Lakshay Thareja tried to hammer a delivery from Ashish Meena straight down the ground. He stepped out of his crease to play a powerful drive straight down the ground.
However, the ball, without bouncing, hit umpire Dharmesh straight on his right chin. He was standing there without any protection, wearing only the umpire's kit and a regular cap.
Immediately after being hit by the ball, the umpire signalled to the match officials to call for medical assistance. The delivery played by Thareja though was declared a dead ball because of the unfortunate incident.
Meanwhile, Lakshaye Thareja was seen in extreme frustration and anger at himself for accidentally hitting the umpire. Later, as per a report quoted by NDTV Sports, the umpire was admitted to the intensive care unit for assessment, with no further update on his condition during the match.
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Which other umpires got injured on the cricket field?
Umpires getting hit by the ball or being injured on the field is not a very new occurrence, though. Earlier, Ruchira Palliyaguruge was struck on his left ear after an accidental throw from a fielder during a match in Dubai in 2025. The incident left him in severe pain and forced a substitution for the official.
In fact, during a match between India and South Africa in a T20I, Rohan Pandit collapsed to the ground after being struck by the ball in play. Almost 10 years ago, Paul Reiffel suffered a concussion after he was accidentally struck on the back of his neck by a throw from India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar while standing at square leg during a Test match in Mumbai.
All of these incidents have been painful. To avoid such accidents, multiple cricket leagues, as well as international cricket, have now provided umpires with safety gear to protect them from any unexpected or foreseeable blows.
What safety measures have been taken for umpires?
Now, cricket boards and individual match officials have provided the Ox Shield, which is a clear, reinforced polycarbonate forearm shield equipped for umpires. If umpires raise their hands, it can deflect high-speed shots or incoming throws.
The ICC also routinely supplies protective cricket helmets to officiating panels to maximise facial coverage for umpires and prevent incidents like what happened in DPL 2026.
Umpires also commonly wear lightweight shin guards, batting pads, and abdominal guards beneath their regular clothing to absorb severe impacts from deliveries.
While player helmets are legally mandated by boards such as the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia, umpire gear remains largely optional but highly encouraged for the personnel’s safety.
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