A number of important decision regarding uplifting umpiring standards, and setting up of a National Umpiring Council were taken at a high level meeting held at PCB headquarters, on Wednesday, chaired by Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia, Chairman PCB.

The old National Umpiring Committee has been formally replaced by National Umpiring Council, headed by veteran former Test Umpire Mahboob Shah. Other members included in the 4-member Council are senior retired test umpires Khizer Hayat, Khalid Aziz and Said Shah. Its task would be to nominate umpires for Domestic season, compilation of reports by match Referees and Captains, arrange induction of new umpires, welfare of umpires and organization of basic and advanced refresher courses.

The meeting also approved panel of umpires for Test Matches/One-day Internationals and other international matches. It was also decided, on a directive of the Chairman PCB, to prepare a panel of at least 4 to 6 highly qualified umpires for inclusion on ICC Panel before 2005.

NUC was also directed to put up a list of 3 umpires to be sent for overseas training besides arranging exchange of umpires with other Asian countries to gain experience.

Khalid Butt
Media Manager
18 July 2001

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