ICC drops Bowden from Elite Panel of umpires

Aleem Dar enters eleventh year as most experienced international official

KARACHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has removed veteran New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden from the Elite Panel of umpires that are chosen to officiate in Test cricket and premier tournaments.

As Bowden is removed who umpired in 84-Tests, 195 ODIs and 21 T20 international matches, seasoned Australian umpire Steve Davis has also retired from professional umpiring.

The outgoing duo has been replaced by India’s Sundaram Ravi and New Zealand’s Chris Gaffaney. In a statement released by the ICC, Ravi was elated at his appointment.

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The 49-year-old said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be selected for the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and thank the BCCI for its support and the ICC for providing this opportunity.”

Gaffaney who played 83 First-Class games an Otago opener stated: “I am thrilled to be promoted to the elite panel as it has to be the aim of every umpire to be appointed to this select group.”

Pakistan’s Aleem Dar is now easily the most experienced umpire on the panel. The 46 year-old is now entering his eleventh year at the highest level, so far he has officiated in 95 Tests, 172 ODIs and 35 T20 Internationals.

The Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires for 2015-2016 will be: Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Long, Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker and Bruce Oxenford.