Lahore, August 6, 2001. With a view to improving the standards of umpiring in the country, Pakistan Cricket Board has taken a number of measures. One such measure is the formation of National Umpiring Council.

The NUC as a first step to achieve this objective has organized an elaborate course for newcomers, providing them motivation and necessary training to become umpires (July 29-August 5). Interviews were held at all the four Provincial Capitals to select candidates for this course. The criteria laid down for entry to the course were education at least intermediate, age between 25-50, background as a cricket player or umpire, comprehension of English language and good personality.

In the first instance 60 candidates were selected from all over Pakistan from places like Quetta, Lahore, Rahim Yar Khan, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Haripur, Bannu, Charsadda and A.K.

Ultimately 53 candidates who reported completed the course, which comprised of every topic relating to cricket umpiring. The topics covered were the qualifications, equipment and duties of umpire, technique of umpiring, laws of cricket, their interpretation and correct application in every changing condition, playing conditions, and code of conduct. During the 8-day course these topics were thoroughly discussed after which an examination was held which included written and viva. Candidates qualifying on merit and subject to vacancies would be inducted as Grade-II umpires and would remain on probation for one season.


Khalid Butt
Media Manager
6 August 2001

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