Nitin Menon Becomes The Third Indian Umpire To Be Included In The ICC Elite Panel
Nitin Menon [Photo-Google]

Nitin Menon has been included in the ICC’s Elite Panel of umpires for the 2020-21 season following an annual review meeting conducted by the apex cricketing body.

Menon, 36, has replaced Nigel Llong from the elite list, making him one of the youngest-ever to join a select panel of umpires.

The decision was taken after a thorough review by a panel which included ICC general manager of cricket Geoff Allardice [chairman] and former players Sanjay Manjrekar, Ranjan Madhugale, and David Boon.

Nitin Menon Becomes The Third Indian Umpire To Be Included In The ICC Elite Panel
Nitin Menon.

Menon, who started his umpiring career in 2017, has officiated in three Tests, 24 ODIs, and 16 T20Is in men’s cricket. He has also stood in 10 Women T20Is including the past two T20 World Cups.

“It’s a great honour and matter of pride for me to be named in the Elite panel. To be officiating regularly along with the leading umpires and referees of the world is something that I always dreamt of and the feeling has yet to sink in,” an elated Nitin Menon said via an ICC press-release.

“Having already officiated in Tests, ODIs and T20Is as well as in ICC events, I understand the great responsibility that comes with the job. I also feel this is a responsibility on me to take Indian umpires forward and help them by sharing my experiences.” he added.

Meanwhile, Adrian Griffith, ICC’s senior manager of umpires and referees congratulated Nitin Menon by saying “has come through our pathway system with very consistent performances”

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Simon Taufel not surprised by Nitin Menon’s selection

Nitin Menon Becomes The Third Indian Umpire To Be Included In The ICC Elite Panel
Simon Taufel. Credits – Getty Imageon taufel

Simon Taufel, one of the greatest-ever umpires of the modern era, isn’t surprised by Nitin Menon’s selection as, according to him, Menon’s talent was visible from the very outset.

“I’m not surprised by his selection as his talent was evident some years ago. But again it shows that it takes many years to get to world-class, through commitment, dedication, resilience, and a growth mindset,” Simon Taufel told ESPNCricinfo.

And, Taufel hopes that with Nitin joining the elite group, it will encourage the BCCI to invest a lot more in their development programs.

“With Nitin joining the top group, a role model is there for many Indian umpires who aspire to be the best. Hopefully, it will encourage the BCCI to keep investing in their development programs for match officials.” he added.

Nitin Menon is only the third Indian umpire to get selected in the Elite List. The previous two are S. Venkatraghavan and S.Ravi, who has now been excluded from the list.

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ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for the 2020-21 season-

Michael Gough, Nitin Menon, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Bruce Oxenford, Paul Reiffel, Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Rod Tucker and Joel Wilson