Nitin Menon pulls out of ICC Champions Trophy; BCCI cites personal reasons
Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian umpire Nitin Menon has opted out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9. According to a report by news agency PTI on Wednesday, February 5, Menon decided against traveling to Pakistan for personal reasons. The development was confirmed by sources within the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI).
Menon, one of the most respected umpires in international cricket, would have been unable to officiate in Dubai due to ICC regulations. The rules state that umpires from the same country as the participating teams cannot officiate their matches. Since India is set to play all its matches in Dubai, Menon would have been ineligible for those games.
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A BCCI source told PTI, "The ICC wanted to put him (Menon) on the Champions Trophy roster. But he decided against traveling to Pakistan due to personal reasons." The ICC, while announcing the list of match officials on February 5, did not comment on Menon's withdrawal.
The tournament will feature a distinguished panel of 12 umpires, including six who officiated in the 2017 edition. Richard Kettleborough, who stood in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, will be joined by experienced umpires such as Chris Gaffaney, Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Illingworth, Paul Reiffel, and Rod Tucker. Dharmasena, with 132 ODIs to his name, holds the record for the most ODIs officiated by a Sri Lankan umpire.
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The match referees for the event include David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, and Andrew Pycroft, all of whom bring extensive experience. Boon officiated in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, while Madugalle returns after overseeing the 2013 final.
Sean Easey, ICC's senior manager for umpires and referees, expressed confidence in the selected officials. "We always strive to appoint the most deserving officials for such prestigious events, and we are confident that this group will do an outstanding job in both Pakistan and the UAE. We wish them all the best for a memorable tournament," he said.
Champions Trophy Match Officials:
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson.
Match Referees: David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft.
