Simon Taufel leads ICC Emirates Elite Panel umpires for Stanford Super Series
Coolidge, Antigua October 22, 2008 – International Cricket Council Umpire of the Year for the fifth year running, Australian Simon Taufel will lead the team of ICC Emirates Elite Panel of umpires for the Stanford Super Series starting on October 25th at the Stanford Cricket Ground in Antigua.
New Zealander Jeff Crowe will serve as the Match Referee while Taufel will be joined on field by South African Rudi Koertzen, Pakistani Asad Rauf and Australian Steve Davis for the six match series which culminates with the unprecedented Stanford 20/20 for US$20million between the Stanford Superstars and England.
The 37 year old Taufel has stood in 11 International Twenty20s along with 53 Tests and 138 One Day Internationals. Rauf has officiated in 8 International T20s, 21 Tests and 56 ODIs while Davis has 3 International T20s, 13 Tests and 79 ODIs under his belt.
Koertzen is the most experienced umpire overall in the group with 94 Tests, 190 ODIs and 2 International T20s.
On field appointments for the respective matches will be determined by Crowe prior to each match.
And following extensive consultations Stanford 20/20 has decided to introduce an additional innovation for the Stanford Super Series. Due to the magnitude of money on offer on November 1st it was felt that it is essential that the correct decisions are made on the field of play during the historic Stanford 20/20 for 20.
During all six games of the Stanford Super Series television umpire referrals will be in place should they be required. They will differ from the norm where player challenges will not be used but all umpires, including the 3rd umpire, can intervene and instigate a television referral system on any decision of doubt.
“Stanford 20/20 believes it is essential that this simplified and modernized innovation is in place to ensure that incorrect decisions are eliminated and the integrity of the game is maintained. Simply put, the umpires will control and officiate the game and the players will get on with the business of playing,” said Mike Haysman, Stanford 20/20 Director of Cricket.
“Stanford 20/20 feels that this umpire referral process is the most practical means to eliminate obvious mistakes and we see it as the way forward,” said Haysman.