Photo Credit: Cricket Scotland
Allan Haggo stood in his 36th and final international match as an umpire as Scotland defeated Ireland on Friday, before retiring from the ICC international panel.
Haggo first joined the ICC panel in 2015, and stood in his first international match the following year when he was one of the umpires in the game between Scotland and the UAE at Grange.
In eight years on the panel, Haggo umpired at several ICC events, whilst he was also an on-field umpire for Scotland’s famous victory over England in 2018.
Haggo said: “It was always my intention to leave on a high. I’ve had a good run and the time is now right to afford another younger umpire the opportunity to officiate at a higher level.
“My international journey started in 2011 with ICC Europe and came to an end on Friday after standing with my friend Roly Black in a high quality T20i between Scotland and Ireland.
“I’ve had 12 memorable years where I’ve been fortunate to be afforded the opportunity to travel over the world sharing cricket fields with many great players and officials, at a level where I was never good enough to be during my playing years.
“The highlight of my career was undoubtedly that incredible day in Edinburgh when Scotland beat England.
“It was a special game and I have to say that the England team were a pleasure to umpire.
“During the anthems my thoughts were very much of my late father, also an umpire, and how I wished he was there to witness me standing in this match.
“Last Friday I had the most wonderful and unexpected send off after the match thanks to the players and officials of Scotland and Ireland, my wife Fiona and daughter Samantha, my colleagues who were involved in the T20 Qualifying tournament and others who were at Grange showing their support.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped and encouraged me throughout my career. In particular I would like to thank the main man, my mentor and friend Ian Ramage for all his help and support over the years, someone who was the perfect role model for me.
“Whilst there will be no more competitive umpiring, there are untold memories that I will forever cherish and, most of all, great friendships I have made with people both at home and from all over the world that will hopefully continue for many years to come.
“The final thanks goes to my wife Fiona, who has supported me 100% throughout the years, and even berated me for stepping down!”
