Intriguing developments abound as the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, set to commence its cricketing extravaganza from the hallowed grounds of Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on October 5.
With anticipation mounting, all ten participating nations are fervently unveiling their chosen squads for this monumental event. In a parallel stride, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled its cadre of umpires and referees who will preside over the proceedings.
This esteemed assembly, curated by the ICC, comprises an assemblage of 20 match officials, distinguished in their commitment to upholding the sanctity of the game. Remarkably, amongst this select group, only a meager pair of individuals hails from the cricketing nation of India.
The ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to unfold across ten illustrious venues in India, spanning from October 5 to November 19, promises to be an exhilarating spectacle. Ahmedabad, in particular, will serve as the battleground for five pivotal World Cup encounters.
ICC’s grandiloquent proclamation extends to its line-up of match officials as well. A grand total of 16 umpires, augmented by four venerable referees, constitute this elite panel.
The inaugural bout, slated for October 5 and featuring England and New Zealand, will be presided over by the officiating trio of Menon and Dharmasena as the on-field arbiters, accompanied by Paul Wilson in the capacity of the television umpire and Sharfuddaula in the pivotal role of fourth umpire, while Pycroft assumes the mantle of match referee.
The roster further highlights the inclusion of 16 umpires and four match referees, collectively entrusted with ensuring a seamless and fair competition throughout the tournament.
An intriguing facet lies in the fact that a dozen of these umpires claim allegiance to ICC’s prestigious Emirates Elite Panel, exemplifying their standing as elite practitioners in the realm of cricket officiating. The remaining quartet, comprising Sharfuddaula Ibne Shahid (Bangladesh), Paul Wilson (Australia), Alex Wharf (England), and Chris Brown (New Zealand), are hailed as vital contributors to this officiating brigade.
A pivotal distinction to note is that ICC’s announcement pertains solely to match officials overseeing the group stage contests. The list of officials presiding over the high-stakes semi-finals and the grand finale shall be disclosed at a later juncture.
Notably, India’s Nitin Menon, fulfilling the role of umpire, and Javagal Srinath, donning the mantle of match referee, both garner recognition in this exclusive roster of match officials.
For the ICC T-20 World Cup 2023, the composition of match officials is as follows:
Umpires:
Christopher Gaffney (New Zealand)
Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)
Marais Erasmus (South Africa)
Michael Gough (England)
Nitin Menon (India)
Paul Riffle (Australia)
Richard Illingworth (England)
Rod Tucker (Australia)
Joel Wilson (West Indies)
Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)
Adrian Holdstock (South Africa)
Paul Wilson (Australia)
Sharfuddaula Ibne Shahid (Bangladesh)
Chris Brown (New Zealand)
Alex Wharf (England)
Match Referees:
Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)
Richie Richardson (West Indies)
Jeff Crowe (New Zealand)
Javagal Srinath (India)
The composition of these officials encompasses a diverse international contingent, with three hailing from New Zealand, one from Sri Lanka, two from South Africa, three from England, three from Australia, two from West Indies, one from Pakistan, one from Bangladesh, and one from Zimbabwe. This eclectic blend underscores the global essence of the forthcoming World Cup.