The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the governing body for international cricket, ensuring that the game is played in the spirit it was intended. Among its many responsibilities, the ICC appoints and manages match officials, including umpires and match referees. These officials are essential for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game, and their roles are as demanding as they are prestigious. With the 2024-25 cricket season fast approaching, it’s a good time to take a closer look at the ICC’s match officials, particularly those in the Emirates ICC Elite Panels and the International Panels.
ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees: The Guardians of the Game
The ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees is made up of some of the most respected and experienced figures in international cricket. These referees are responsible for overseeing the conduct of players and teams, ensuring that the game is played within the rules and maintaining the spirit of cricket. Their decisions can have a significant impact on the outcomes of matches, as they are responsible for handling disciplinary issues and ensuring fair play.
Current Members of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees (2024-25):
| Match Referee | Country |
|---|---|
| David Boon | Australia |
| Jeff Crowe | New Zealand |
| Ranjan Madugalle | Sri Lanka |
| Andrew Pycroft | Zimbabwe |
| Richie Richardson | West Indies |
| Javagal Srinath | India |
These match referees bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the game. They have played significant roles in some of the most important cricket matches globally and continue to uphold the values of the sport through their impartial decision-making.
ICC Elite Panel of Umpires: The Pillars of Fair Play
The ICC Elite Panel of Umpires is a group of highly skilled and respected officials who are selected based on their exceptional performance and ability to handle the pressures of international cricket. These umpires officiate in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is), making critical decisions that can change the course of a match.
Current Members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires (2024-25):
| Umpire | Country |
|---|---|
| Kumar Dharmasena | Sri Lanka |
| Christopher Gaffaney | New Zealand |
| Michael Gough | England |
| Adrian Holdstock | South Africa |
| Richard Illingworth | England |
| Richard Kettleborough | England |
| Nitin Menon | India |
| Ahsan Raza | Pakistan |
| Paul Reiffel | Australia |
| Sharfuddoula | Bangladesh |
| Rodney Tucker | Australia |
| Joel Wilson | West Indies |
These umpires are at the forefront of the game, making decisions in real-time that are often scrutinized by players, coaches, and fans alike. Their expertise and commitment to fair play are what keep the game running smoothly.
ICC International Panel of Umpires: Rising Stars of Cricket Officiating
The ICC International Panel of Umpires consists of officials who are on the path to becoming elite umpires. These umpires are appointed to officiate in various international matches, including ODIs and T20Is, and are regularly evaluated by the ICC for their performance.
Current Members of the ICC International Panel of Umpires (2024-25):
Afghanistan:
- Ahmad Shah Pakteen
- Ahmad Shah Durrani
- Bismallah Jan Shinwari
- Izafullah Safi
Australia:
- Donovan Koch
- Phil Gillespie
- Sam Nogajski
- Shawn Craig
Bangladesh:
- Gazi Sohel
- Tanvir Ahmed
- Masudur Rahman Mukul
- Morshed Ali Khan
England:
- Alex Wharf
- Russell Warren
- Martin Saggers
- Mike Burns
India:
- Jayaraman Madanagopal
- Rohan Pandit
- Virender Sharma
- K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan
Ireland:
- Johnny Kennedy
- Mark Hawthorne
- Aidan Seaver
- Roland Black
New Zealand:
- Chris Brown
- Wayne Knights
- Shaun Haig
- Cory Black
Pakistan:
- Aleem Dar
- Faisal Khan Afridi
- Muhammad Asif Yaqoob
- Rashid Riaz Waqar
South Africa:
- Lubabalo Gcuma
- Stephen Harris
- Arno Jacobs
- Allahudien Paleker
Sri Lanka:
- Ruchira Palliyaguruge
- Prageeth Rambukwella
- Ravindra Wimalasiri
- Lyndon Hannibal
West Indies:
- Leslie Reifer
- Gregory Brathwaite
- Nigel Duguid
- Patrick Gustard
Zimbabwe:
- Langton Rusere
- Iknow Chabi
- Percival Sizara
- Forster Mtizwa
These umpires represent the future of cricket officiating. As they gain more experience and prove their abilities, some of them may eventually join the ranks of the ICC Elite Panel.
International Panel of ICC Match Referees: Ensuring Fair Play Across the Globe
The International Panel of ICC Match Referees is a group of experienced individuals who oversee international matches that may not feature the Elite Panel referees. They are responsible for maintaining the standards of the game and ensuring that all matches are conducted fairly.
Current Members of the International Panel of ICC Match Referees (2024-25):
Afghanistan:
- Zarab Shah Zaheer
- Hamim Talwar
Australia:
- David Gilbert
- Kent Hannam
Bangladesh:
- Akhtar Ahmad
- Md. Ruhul Neeyamur Rashid Rahul
- Supriya Rani Das
England:
- Phil Whitticase
- Dean Cosker
- Sarah Bartlett
- Helen Pack
India:
- Narayan Kutty
- GS Lakshmi
- Prakash Bhatt
Ireland:
- Graham McCrea
- Phil Thompson
New Zealand:
- Richard Hayward
- Trudy Anderson
Pakistan:
- Ali Naqvi
- Muhammed Javed Malik
South Africa:
- Gerhardus Pienaar
- Shaid Wadvalla
- Shandre Fritz
Sri Lanka:
- Graeme La Brooy
- Wendell La Brooy
- Vanessa de Silva
- Michelle Pereira
West Indies:
- Denavon Hayles
- Reon King
Zimbabwe:
- Emmanuel Dube
- Owen Chirombe
- Julia Chibhabha
These match referees play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the game, especially in matches that involve emerging cricketing nations or lower-profile fixtures.
International Panel of ICC Development Umpires: Nurturing Talent Across the Continents
The International Panel of ICC Development Umpires is focused on nurturing umpiring talent from developing cricket nations. These umpires are given opportunities to officiate in international matches and tournaments, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
Current Members of the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires (2024-25):
Africa:
- Botswana: Ravi Angara
- Kenya: David Odhiambo, Isaac Otieno Oyieko, Rockie D’Mello
- Namibia: Andrew Louw, Claus Schumacher
- Sierra Leone: Francis Trevor Samura
- Zimbabwe: Sarah Dambanevana
- South Africa: Kerrin Klaaste, Lauren Agenbag
- Uganda: Makumbi Patrick Musoke
Americas:
- Bermuda: Emmerson Carrington
- Canada: Arnold Maddela, Harry Grewal
- USA: Jermaine Lindo, Sameer Bandekar, Vijay Prakash Mallela
- West Indies: Maria Abbott, Candace La Borde, Jacquline Williams
Asia:
- Bangladesh: Shathira Jakir Jesy, Rokeya Sultana, Dolly Rani Sarkar, Champa Chakma
- Hong Kong: R.V. Venkatesh, Tabarak Dar
- India: N Janani, Vrindha Rathi
- Malaysia: Kalidas Viswanadan
- Nepal: Buddhi Pradhan, Durga Nath Subedi, Vinay Kumar Jha
- Oman: Rahul Asher, Vinod Babu, Parameswaran Pillai Harikrishnan
- Qatar: Shivani Mishra
- Singapore: Sarika Siva Prasad
- Sri Lanka: Dedunu De Silva, Nimali Perera
- Thailand: Ashwani Kumar Rana
- UAE: Akbar Ali Khan, Asif Iqbal, Shiju Sam Mannil
EAP (East Asia-Pacific):
- Australia: Claire Polosak, Eloise Sheridan, Lisa McCabe, Ashlee Gibbons
- Indonesia: Suresh Subramanian
- New Zealand: Kim Cotton
- PNG: Alu Kapa, Lakani Oala, Bri Olewale
Europe:
- Denmark: Jesper Jensen
- England: Sue Redfern, Anna Harris
- Germany: Mark Jameson
- Ireland: Heath Kearns
- Jersey: Heath Kearns
- Netherlands: Nitin Bathi, Rizwan Akram, Pim van Liemt
- Scotland: Ryan Milne, Iain McDonald, David McLean
Panel of ICC Umpire Coaches: Mentoring the Next Generation
The ICC also has a dedicated Panel of Umpire Coaches who are responsible for mentoring and developing the skills of umpires around the world. These coaches have a wealth of experience and are crucial in ensuring that the next generation of umpires is well-prepared for the challenges of international cricket.
Current Members of the Panel of ICC Umpire Coaches (2024-25):
| Umpire Coach | Country |
|---|---|
| Stuart Cummings | England |
| Bruce Oxenford | Australia |
| Karl Hurter | South Africa |
The Backbone of Cricket’s Integrity
The ICC’s match officials, including the Elite Panel of Umpires, Match Referees, and the various international and development panels, are the backbone of cricket’s integrity. They ensure that the game is played fairly and within the rules, making critical decisions that uphold the spirit of cricket. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, these officials will continue to play a pivotal role in the global success and credibility of the sport.
For cricket fans and aspiring umpires alike, understanding the structure and composition of the ICC’s match officials offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of cricket officiating. Whether on the field making split-second decisions or behind the scenes mentoring the next generation, these individuals are essential to the sport we all love.
