Ravi and Gaffaney in Elite Panel of umpires
Indian umpire S Ravi and New Zealand's Chris Gaffaney have been promoted to the ICC's Elite Panel of umpires for the season 2015-16.
The two officials replace Billy Bowden and Australian Steve Davis, who has decided to retire. Ravi is the first Indian umpire to be on the Elite panel since S Venkataraghavan.
Ravi said: "I have always enjoyed the company of those umpires already on the Elite Panel and now I have the chance to work with them all on a more regular basis.
"I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead and aim to maintain a high standard of umpiring."
Gaffaney's appointment is more of a surprise as he has only stood in two Test matches, although he has been excellent in his 41 ODI's and 15 T20I's that he has officiated in.
The 39 year-old Gaffaney said: "I have a number of people to thank, especially those who have assisted from the very beginning of my umpire career, and will be doing this individually in due course.
"I, however, need to mention the support and understanding of both the NZC and the Police force, who allowed me the opportunity to follow my career as a policeman and also as an umpire.
"I am extremely grateful for their understanding, which has made this possible."
The Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires for 2015-16:
Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker and Bruce Oxenford.
Latest
-
NewsJos Buttler understands ‘complicated’ decision for players to skip Bangladesh
Alex Hales, Sam Billings and Liam Dawson are among those missing the white-ball tour to play in the Pakistan Super League.
-
NewsKyle Jamieson returns to New Zealand fold for England Tests but Trent Boult out
Fast bowler Jamison has played for New Zealand since last summer.
-
NewsJos Buttler focusing on positives despite England’s series loss in South Africa
There were some standout performances in the series as Jason Roy, Dawid Malan and Buttler all made hundreds.
-
NewsEngland hand Rehan Ahmed first white-ball call-up for tour of Bangladesh
Ahmed became England’s youngest men’s Test cricketer when he lined up against Pakistan in Karachi.
-
NewsHow are England’s prospects looking ahead of World Cup defence?
Twin defeats in Bloemfontein meant victory in Kimberley was a mere consolation for double world champions England.
-
EnglandJonny Bairstow heading in the right direction in his recovery from injury
The 33-year-old Yorkshireman underwent successful surgery on a broken leg and dislocated ankle in September after a freak golf incident.
-
EnglandJofra Archer enjoys new role as he bowls England to victory in South Africa
Archer did not open the bowling but produced career-best ODI figures.
-
EnglandSir Andrew Strauss lauds ‘extraordinary leaders’ Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes
England’s men’s team have won nine of their 10 Test matches under the new regime.
-
EnglandJofra Archer returns career-best ODI figures as England claim consolation win
England won the third and final match against South Africa but had already lost the series.
-
EnglandDawid Malan and Jos Buttler hit hundreds as England fight back in South Africa
Buttler’s men are bidding to avoid a series clean sweep and a sixth successive loss in the ODI format.