The International Cricket Council conducted its annual three-day Emirates Elite Panel Conference in Dubai from 17 to 19 September, which was attended by members of the Emirates Elite Panel of Match Referees, Emirate Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, members of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires as well as its umpire coaches.
The workshop conducted at the ICC Headquarters and the adjacent ICC Academy gave the officials an opportunity to discuss various aspects of the game’s conduct, share their experiences, engage in group discussions as well as to go through simulation exercises.
The topics discussed at the workshop included, among other items, the front-foot No-ball trial during the recent England-Pakistan ODI series, learnings from the ICC World Twenty20 2016 in India and the new regulations which come into effect from 22 September.
ICC General Manager – Cricket, Geoff Allardice said the seminar was important because it was not easy to get so many officials together.
“It gives us a chance to get the umpires and referees together – twice a year – once around an ICC event, the other time in September, to go over changes to playing conditions, regulations and focus on areas for improvement,” Allardice said.
Speaking on the importance of the event, Adrian Griffith, Senior Manager, Umpires and Referees said the annual seminar helped build teamwork and gives the officials an opportunity to share their experiences and learnings.
“Our seminar in September is about re-grouping and discussing relevant issues in the game’s conditions. We, the umpires and referees, have our own role to play in the game and we want to ensure we do that to the best of our ability. We make sure we give the umpires the tools and resources that they need to place them in the best position to perform.”
ICC Emirates Panel Match Referee Javagal Srinath said it was an opportunity for officials to discuss many aspects.
“This seminar has high significance, enhancement of our own performance can happen through discussions and finding solutions. All these things can only lead towards one way – the development of the game.
“This is a collective learning, expectations are set, minimum standards are described, when you get together, amended laws come into play, overall learn a lot and share a lot.”
