Last Update: January 05, 2023, 17:09 IST
Cricket umpire Simon Taufel (AFP Image)
The inaugural ILT20 match officials team will include Akbar Ali Khan, Alex Wharf, Leslie Reifer, Martin Saggers, Richard Kettleborough, Rod Tucker, Ruchira Palliyaguruge and Shiju Mannil
Five-time ICC Umpire of the Year Award winner Simon Taufel will lead the team of match officials in the inaugural edition of the ILT20, which will be held across three UAE venues – Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi). Cricket And game Hub’s Zayed Cricket Stadium), Dubai (Dubai International Stadium) and Sharjah (Sharjah Cricket Stadium) from January 13 to February 12, 2023.
Taufel will be accompanied by a number of eminent umpires who have officiated in many international tournaments and series across the world. The team of match officials includes Akbar Ali Khan, Alex Wharf, Leslie Reifer, Martin Saggers, Richard Kettleborough, Rod Tucker, Ruchira Palliyaguruge and Shiju Mannil. Taufel and Roshan Mahanama will act as match referees.
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In addition to his duties as match referee, Taufel will be one of the on-field umpires in the opening match of the ILT20 between Dubai Capitals and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on January 13. The game will be followed by a spectacular opening ceremony at the Dubai International Stadium.
“I am very excited to lead the match officials in DP world ILT20. Franchise cricket has completely changed the outlook of the game and I am thrilled to be a part of a new cricket league emerging in the world. DP World ILT20 will surely provide another platform for youngsters to showcase their talent as well as rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world.”
“I also hope that this league will inspire more people in the UAE to become involved in match officiating, and in the future it will be a platform for local umpires to develop their careers. I look forward to taking the field on the first day of competition Can’t wait,” Taufel said in an official statement.
As part of the panel of match officials, representative umpires from the UAE as well as select individuals with domestic level umpiring experience will gain valuable experience for a league of this caliber during DP World ILT20 League matches.
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“It was imperative for us to ensure that every aspect of DP World ILT20 adheres to international standards and therefore we are very pleased to announce a heavily experienced group of international match officials for the first season of DP World ILT20.”
“We are particularly thrilled to have Simon Taufel with us. He will certainly lead his team brilliantly and ensure that high quality umpiring is on display throughout the tournament,” said Mubasshir Usmani, Secretary General of Emirates Cricket he said.
Making its debut on 13 January, the inaugural ILT20 promises to be a high-octane contest with some of the world’s greatest cricketing superstars making their way to the UAE to kick off the league.
The league will be played in a 34-match format between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Knight Riders Group), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries) and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global).
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)