With ICC World Cup 2019 is just a few days away from the start, the ICC is announcing all the required stuff for the grand event. In the latest move, they named the umpires and the match referees for the upcoming showpiece event, which is to be played in England.
The 16 umpires and six match referees, who have been finalised for the 48-match tournament, includes prominent members of the past World Cup winning teams. S Ravi is the only representative in ICC’s Elite panel for India, has officiated in 33 Tests, 42 ODIs and 18 T20Is till now has also found a place.
S Ravi is the only Indian Umpire:
The other officials for the World Cup are Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Andy Pycroft, Ranjan Madugalle, Richie Richardson (all match referees); Aleem Dar, Marais Erasmus. And also, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough. Nigel Llong, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Sundaram Ravi, Rod Tucker, Michael Gough, Paul Wilson (all umpires).
The opening match between England and South Africa at the Oval will see three previous World Cup winners officiating. David Boon will be the match referee, whereas Kumar Dharmasena and Bruce Oxenford will be the on-field umpires for the match. Paul Reiffel will act as a third umpire and Joel Wilson will be the fourth official.
“Officiating at the World Cup as with playing, is an honour and the pinnacle of an official’s career,” said the former West Indies opener Adrian Griffith, now the ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees.
“It is a tough job with the eyes of the cricketing world on every decision. But this group of 22 is the very best from around the world who will rise to the occasion. I wish them all the very best.”
Final World Cup for Ian Gould:
Ian Gould has been one of the finest umpires in the cricketing world. He is calling his curtains after the upcoming ICC World Cup, which is his fifth and final world cup.
“Ian has made an outstanding contribution to the game over a long period. Particularly, in the last decade as an international umpire for the ICC. He has always put the interests of the game first. And also, in doing so has earned enormous respect from his colleagues and players across all countries. His presence on the field will be missed, but I am sure his lifelong association with the game will continue,” ICC quoted General Manager – Cricket, Geoff Allardice as saying.
The appointments for the semi-finals will be announced at the end of the league stage and those for the final will be finalised after the semi-finals.
And also, Match Officials at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019:
Match Referees: Chris Broad, David Boon, Andy Pycroft, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Richie Richardson
Umpires: Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould. Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford. Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker, Joel Wilson, Michael Gough, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Paul Wilson