South African umpire and former cricketer Arno Jacobs has been selected as the third recipient of the Betway SA20 and ECB The Hundred Umpire Exchange Programme, continuing the successful partnership between Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Jacobs, a veteran of over 300 professional matches across formats during his playing career, will travel to the UK on 11 August to officiate in two men’s matches, one women’s match, and serve as the fourth umpire at prestigious venues including Lord’s, The Oval, and Edgbaston.
He follows in the footsteps of Stephen Harris and Lubabalo ‘Babs’ Gcuma, who previously represented South Africa in The Hundred, while Russell Warren</strong and James Middlebrook have officiated in SA20 as part of the reciprocal agreement.
Jacobs to gain international exposure at iconic UK venues
“Betway SA20 is very proud of the Umpire Exchange programme, it has become an element that all of our match officials aspire to,” said Stephen Cook, SA20 Head of Cricket Operations.
“It can only improve the quality of match officials not only in the League, but in South African cricket more broadly. We are grateful for our collaboration with ECB and confident Arno will come back enriched.”
Jacobs, 48, was recently nominated for both Umpires’ Umpire of the Year and Umpire of the Year at the Cricket SA Awards. He sees this international assignment as a major step in his umpiring journey.
“This experience will prepare me for the challenges of international cricket… I am excited to step onto the pitch at some of the world’s most iconic cricket grounds. It’s a privilege I will cherish forever,” Jacobs said.
Partnership strengthens ties between Betway SA20 and The Hundred
The exchange programme underscores the growing collaboration between SA20 and The Hundred, both of which are positioned as innovative, fan-focused short-form leagues. The initiative allows umpires to adapt to different match conditions, engage with international colleagues, and raise officiating standards across both leagues.
The programme will continue in reciprocal fashion, with an English umpire scheduled to officiate in Betway SA20 Season 4 in South Africa.
With the inclusion of Jacobs, South Africa reaffirms its commitment to developing world-class match officials, while further enhancing the professional opportunities available through SA20.
