Amidst the flurry of excitement surrounding the imminent ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which predominantly revolves around teams and players, the role of ICC World Cup 2023 Umpires remains surprisingly under-discussed. Umpires tend to gain prominence in public discourse only when they make errors, inadvertently becoming the focus of fans’ emotions and frustration.
However, it’s imperative to recognize that umpires hold a significance on par with teams, team management, and players. Their contribution is equally vital, given that umpiring in cricket, like any other sport, is an intricate task. Umpires also need to adjust to the diverse formats of the game, just as players do.
In spite of this, while acknowledging the pivotal role of umpires, here is the comprehensive roster of umpires for the ICC World Cup 2023 – an event that transpires once every four years. These umpires will play a decisive role in shaping the destiny of your beloved cricket stars on the field.
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ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Umpires List (Expected)
- Aleem Dar: A 50-year-old umpire from Pakistan and a notable member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, Dar’s umpiring journey began on February 16, 2000, in a One-day match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. His tally includes 125 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 43 T20Is.
- Kumar Dharmasena: A 48-year-old umpire from Sri Lanka, Dharmasena, a former international off-break bowler, debuted as an umpire in 2009. He has officiated in 60 Tests, 95 ODIs, and 22 T20Is.
- Marais Erasmus: A 55-year-old South African umpire and a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, Erasmus embarked on his umpiring journey in 2006 in a T20I between South Africa and Australia. He has earned recognition, including the ICC Umpire of the Year award in 2017. His tally comprises 55 Tests, 82 ODIs, and 26 T20Is.
- Chris Gaffaney: A 43-year-old former New Zealand cricketer turned umpire and a member of the ICC Elite Umpire Panel, Gaffaney debuted as an ODI umpire in September 2010. He has officiated in 27 Tests, 60 ODIs, and 20 T20Is.
- Ian Gould: A 61-year-old umpire from England and a former first-class cricketer, Gould’s umpiring journey commenced during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. He has officiated in 74 Tests, 135 ODIs, and 37 T20Is.
- Richard Illingworth: A 55-year-old former English cricketer who transitioned to umpiring, Illingworth has officiated in 42 Tests, 59 ODIs, and 16 T20Is. He is among the 16 umpires selected for the 2023 World Cup.
- Richard Kettleborough: A 46-year-old umpire from England who made his first-class umpiring debut in April 2002. His umpiring portfolio includes 58 Tests, 78 ODIs, and 22 T20Is. He joined the ICC International Panel of Umpires in November 2009.
- Nigel Llong: A 50-year-old umpire from England and a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, Llong’s journey commenced in June 2000. He has officiated in 56 Tests, 123 ODIs, and 32 T20Is.
- Bruce Oxenford: A 59-year-old Australian umpire who became an ICC international umpire in 2008. He has officiated in 55 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is. He joined the Elite Umpire Panel in 2012.
- Sundaram Ravi: A 42-year-old Indian umpire, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. He has officiated in 33 Tests, 42 ODIs, and 18 T20Is.
- Paul Reiffel: A 53-year-old former Australian cricketer turned umpire. He has officiated in 43 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 16 T20Is.
- Rod Tucker: A 54-year-old Australian umpire from the ICC Elite Umpire Panel. He has umpired 67 Tests, 78 ODIs, and 35 T20Is.
- Joel Wilson: A 52-year-old umpire from Trinidad and Tobago. He has officiated in 13 Tests, 58 ODIs, and 26 T20Is.
- Michael Gough: A 39-year-old English umpire with experience in 9 Tests, 52 ODIs, and 14 T20Is.
- Ruchira Palliyaguruge: A 51-year-old former Sri Lankan cricketer turned umpire. He has officiated in 2 Tests, 71 ODIs, and 32 T20Is.
- Paul Wilson: A 47-year-old Australian umpire associated with Cricket Australia Project Umpire’s Panel. He has officiated in 23 ODIs and 11 T20Is.
These umpires, often unseen but integral, shape the course of the game and uphold the spirit of cricket.