In order to improve the performance and image of the Pakistani umpires the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formed a National Umpiring Council with a distinguished former Test umpire Mr. Mehboob Shah as its Chairman.

The council has already made the kind of progress which would transform Pakistan's image in this area of considerable importance. Other members of the Council, formed in July this Year, are Khalid Aziz, Khizar Hayat and Said Shah.

The need to establish such a body was being felt because of lack of quality umpires in the country, which reflected in their poor ratings by the ICC. Hence, little exposure at the international level. That is why chairman, PCB, Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia personally involved himself in the venture of setting up of this Council, specifying its tasks with a promise to back it up to the maximum. The main purpose of setting up the NUC is to raise the standard of umpiring in the country and produce umpires of international calibre. This objective will be achieved in the shortest possible time through introducing an intricate multi-tier system, and laying down specific criteria for each progressive phase - from induction to grassroots exposure, monitoring and enhancement of skills, and graduation to higher levels.

To begin with, for the first time a criteria for appointment in first class cricket has been set. Afterwards, a streamlined monitoring system would keep a close watch on the performance and development of each and every umpire. To have a clear idea of the resources, computerized confidential files of each individual umpire would be created and continuously updated. Interaction with umpire would be constant, and they would be conveyed advisory remarks about their performance and provided counselling after each tournament.

While top grade performance is expected from the umpires, they would also be facilitated to the maximum possible, so that they could do their job with least stress. These areas which the Council has pointed out and undertaken are: organizing countrywide travel arrangements for the umpires, arranging their board and lodge and crediting fees and allowances to their accounts. Securing level for umpires from their employers for the period of their assignments and launching welfare schemes for them would also be priorities.

Most of all, excellence can only be achieved by umpires in domestic and international matches if they are well - equipped to carry out their duties. To make sure of that, they would be educated and instructed through various mediums - theoretically, practically and even socially. This exercise would be followed by providing them appropriate exposure, motivating them to indulge in academic pursuits, developing communicating skills and an improved all-round personality.

For the purposes of enhancing the perception about the Pakistani umpire. The NUC would also make concerted efforts to give our umpires a higher profile with the help of the media. This would be achieved by recognizing their services publicly and introducing lucrative career planning, retirement benefits, eligibility for civil honours and other awards.

The national Umpiring Council was handed out guidelines and in a matter of weeks it has already started working towards achieving al the objectives it was meant to accomplish.


Khalid Butt
Media Manager
October 3, 2001

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