DUBAI, March 16 – South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock and Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza have been named to the UAE’s ICC elite refereeing panel, despite veteran Aleem Dar stepping down after 19 years with the elite panel, taking part in a record 435 men’s international matches.
The ICC Elite Referee Selection Panel, headed by ICC General Manager – Cricket Wasim Khan, was supplemented during the annual review and selection process, increasing the number of umpires in the panel from 11 to 12.
Holdstock has officiated five Tests, 42 ODIs and 48 T20Is, while Ahsan has officiated seven Tests, 41 ODIs and 72 T20Is. Both referees are part of the referee panel for the 2021 and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Holdstock and Ahsan are enthusiastic about the selected group.
“I am excited about the opportunity ahead and look forward to giving my best in my new role. I thank all my colleagues, the ICC and South African Cricket for their support over the years. Additionally, I would like to thank my family, especially my wife Without her, Carmen, I couldn’t continue to do what I love so much,” Holdstock said.
Ahsan Raza hopes to make the most of all his experience and continue to learn from his senior colleagues on the expert group.
“I have always wanted to officiate with the best match officials on a regular basis. I have officiated at all forms of international matches as well as ICC events, so I know the enormous responsibility that comes with this position. I hope to make the most of all the experience I have over the years, but will Continue to learn from senior colleagues on the expert group,” he was quoted as saying in a press release by the ICC.
Other members of the team were Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand), Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Marais Erasmus (South Africa), Michael Gough (UK), Nitin Menon (India), Paul Reiffel (Australia), Richard Illingworth (UK), Richard Kettleborough (England), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Joel Wilson (West Indies).
The ICC informed that there has been no change to the refereeing panel for the ICC elite match in the UAE.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi congratulated Ahsan Raza on his appointment.
“Ahsan Raza became the third Pakistani referee to be appointed to the ICC’s elite panel of referees. This is a very proud and happy moment for the entire country. I would like to congratulate Ahsan on this remarkable He will continue to work hard with dedication and enthusiasm to raise the profile and visibility of this noble profession,” he said.
“Ahsan is a great inspiration to many young and future referees and his promotion shows that we have talented referees in Pakistan who are skilled enough to rank among the top. I hope we at PCB will continue to utilize his skills in our national and international competitions expertise, knowledge and experience,” he added
–IANS
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