Umpiring in the game ain't an easy task. Though you are part of the game, you are also not involved simultaneously, which sounds heartbreaking. However, the hard work of the umpires is neglected, even though they dedicate long hours standing under the sun.
Despite the advancements in sports technology, the role of the umpire has not changed. Umpires are usually responsible for declaring and making decisions in cricket based on the favour of both teams, without showing any partiality. Regardless of their hard work, they still face criticism from the players.
However, some disciplined and sophisticated umpires have significantly impacted the history of cricket through their fair and honest decisions. Let's unlock the list by looking at the best cricket umpires in the world who have created history. Read the blog to know more.
Elite Panel of ICC Umpires
So, what do you mean by Elite Panel of ICC Umpires?
The Elite Panel of Cricket umpires is a panel of cricket umpires that the ICC has appointed to direct Test Matches and One Day Internationals worldwide.
It was formed to reform the umpiring decisions during the matches and was established in April 2002. These Elite Panel Members are primarily responsible and preferred for umpiring, and they are among the best cricket umpires in the world.
These umpires have been appointed to ensure that the umpiring standards are as high as possible. They represent the panel in around ten tests and 15 ODIs each year.
History of Elite Panel
The History of the Elite Panel dates back to the year 2002, with the start of eight members. The members were Steve Bucknor, Daryl Harper, Ashoka de Silva, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, Rudi Koertzen, Dave Orchard, David Shepherd, and Russell Tiffin.
In July 2019, Michael Gough and Joel Wilson were added to the Elite Panel after the retirement of Ian Gould, and Sundaram Ravi was excluded after the 2019 Cricket World Cup.
On 16 March 2023, Ahsan Raza and Adrian Holdstock joined the panel after Aleem Dar stepped down from the panel. However, in March 2024
Sharfuddoula was added to the Elite Panel after South African umpire Marais Erasmus retired from umpiring in international cricket. Thus, Sharfuddoula was declared the first umpire from Bangladesh to be included in this panel.
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List of Best Cricket Umpires in the World
Here's the list of Best Cricket Umpires in the World which you might not know. Let's have a look at it.
David Shepherd
David Robert Shepherd was a first-class cricketer famous for playing county cricket for Gloucestershire. He later became one of the best umpires in the world. He stood in 95 test matches, the last of which was in June 2005.
He has umpired 172 ODIs and the 3 consecutive World Cup finals in 1996, 1999, and 2003. He retired from his playing career in 1979 and decided to become a coach, where he would train youngsters to play, but his mind changed, and he chose umpiring instead. His decision proved to be fruitful, and this made him world famous.
Soon after his fair mindset and honest feedback, he was declared on the umpiring panel for the 1983 World Cup, standing in his first test. The fourth test of the 1985 Ashes series at Old Trafford along with Dickie Bird.
Dickie Bird
Dickie Bird is another well-known figure in the umpiring world, who was an English former cricketer and retired international cricket umpire.
During his umpiring journey, he was one of the most loved umpires for his excellence and peculiarities.
Harold Dennis "Dickie" Bird was in first-class cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire as a right-handed batsman but was only able to score two centuries in 93 appearances. Due to his knee injury, he was forced to retire from cricket at the very young age of 31 and started umpiring.
He has umpired 66 test matches, 69 one-day internationals, and 3 world cups till now. In Feb 2014, Yorkshire announced that Bird would be voted in as the club's president at their annual general meeting on 29 March. Interestingly, he also has an autobiography published in 1997, which has sold more than millions of copies.
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Steve Bucknor
Stephen Anthony Bucknor is another famous personality and a former Jamaican international cricket umpire known for his excellent umpiring skills. Before being an umpire, he was also a goalkeeper in Jamaican parish leagues in the 1960s.
In 1964, he played in goal for Jamaica in a schoolboy international versus Brazil, which Jamaica drew. He was also a FIFA referee in a CONCACAF and World Cup Qualifier between EI Salvador and the Netherlands Antilles in 1988. He has also received the Order of Jamaica for his outstanding services in the field of sports.
Bucknor umpired 128 test matches between 1989 and 2009 and umpired 181 one-day internationals during this period, including five consecutive Cricket World Cup finals from 1992 to 2007. He was also a mathematics teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Cricket Umpire in the World
What Makes an Umpire the Best Cricket Umpire?
Umpires are known for their exceptional decision-making skills and deep understanding of the game. Umpires must also have a calm demeanour to work under pressure. Umpires are mostly retired cricket players who are well aware of the ins and outs of the game.
How Has Technology Impacted the Umpire's Role in Cricket?
Technology such as a DRS (Decision Review System) has come into existence to ease the umpires by providing tools to review their decisions. However, nowadays, the best umpires rely on technology to make accurate umpiring decisions to ensure the proper flow of the game.
What Award Is Granted to an Umpire?
Umpires are granted awards for their outstanding decision-making skills, like take it; for example, Simon Taufel has received many accolades and has also received the ICC Umpire of the Year award five times for his consistent performance in international cricket, which has also given him wide recognition overall.
In the evolving world of cricket, the umpires stand as a pillar for excellent decision-making and smooth game functioning. Their role plays a crucial role in upholding the spirit of cricket.
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