By BIPIN DANI
Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle, a distinguished member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, has been appointed to lead the playing control teams for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 fixtures between Pakistan and the West Indies. This crucial appointment underscores the importance of these matches, set to be played in Multan from January 17 to 29.
The two Tests will see a team of highly experienced umpires ensuring the games are conducted smoothly and fairly. In the first Test, Australia’s Rodney Tucker and England’s Richard Kettleborough, both ICC Elite Panel Umpires, will take on the on-field duties. Paul Reiffel from Australia, also an ICC Elite Panel Umpire, will serve as the third umpire, while Pakistan’s Faisal Khan Aafreedi, a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, will act as the fourth umpire.
As the second Test kicks off on January 25, there will be a slight change in the umpiring roster. Paul Reiffel will join Rodney Tucker for the on-field duties, while Richard Kettleborough will move to the third umpire position. Pakistan’s Rashid Riaz Waqar, another member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, will serve as the fourth umpire.
This series of Tests is not just another set of matches but a significant part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The presence of such esteemed officials highlights the importance and prestige associated with these fixtures. Fans and players alike will be looking forward to fair play and high standards of cricket, as Madugalle and his team of elite umpires take charge.
With the spotlight on Multan, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of these tests, as Pakistan and the West Indies battle it out in a bid to strengthen their positions in the World Test Championship standings.
It may also be added here that there is no Sri Lankan match-referee during the ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup to be played in Malaysia from this month.
