Major League Cricket (MLC) has unveiled its elite panel of 11 match officials for the highly anticipated debut of the USA’s first-ever professional franchise cricket league. The league is set to kick off on July 13 and will feature a total of 19 matches played at two dedicated cricket venues in North Texas and North Carolina. The grand finale is scheduled for July 30, promising a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural season.
The panel of officials comprises nine umpires and two match referees, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure fair and efficient conduct of the matches. Among the officials are three umpires currently serving on the ICC International Panel of Umpires: Wayne Knights, Paul Wilson and Ruchira Palliyaguru. Their inclusion is a testament to their exceptional skills and recognition at the international level.
Additionally, four US-based umpires have earned their spots in the panel: Jermaine Lindo, Rushane Samuels, Vijaya Prakash Mallela and Billy Taylor. Both Lindo and Mallela are currently serving on the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires, showcasing their dedication to honing their craft and contributing to the growth of cricket in the United States.
Heading the match official team is none other than Simon Taufel, a five-time ICC Umpire of the Year. Taufel’s expertise and invaluable experience will be put to use as he assumes the role of Match Referee for the league. Assisting him in the crucial task of maintaining the highest standards of the game is Reon King, who currently serves on the International Panel of ICC Match Referees.
To complete the officiating crew, Owen Brown and Colin Edwards have been appointed as fourth umpires for the tournament. Their presence ensures seamless coordination and assistance to the on-field umpires, contributing to the smooth flow of matches.
Blue skies ☀️ Green grass 🌱 What more could you ask for?! 😍#MajorLeagueCricket #BuildAmericanCricket pic.twitter.com/fmxWOkUAAD
— Major League Cricket (@MLCricket) June 27, 2023
Cricket enthusiasts and fans can look forward to witnessing the exceptional skills of players and the impeccable officiating during this landmark moment for cricket in the United States. As the MLC’s inaugural season kicks off in second week of July, excitement and anticipation continue to build, heralding a new era for cricket in the country.
