MANILA, November 2: Abhiram Singh Yadav, Chairman of Persatuan Cricket Indonesia and the Associate Member Representative on the International Cricket Council’s Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC), has welcomed the ICC’s new Umpire Level 2 Course, linking its focus on match-official development to ICC Chair Jay Shah’s vision of expanding cricket’s global reach and opportunities for all Members.
“The development of match officials is essential to the growth and competitiveness of cricket under ICC Chairman Mr. Jay Shah’s leadership. This programme creates a further structured opportunity for umpires to develop, while helping Members strengthen their officiating standards,” said Yadav, speaking to cricexec.
Yadav highlighted Suresh Subramanian’s selection as one of 20 ICC Umpire Level 2 Master Educators as a proud achievement for Indonesian cricket and an example of Associate cricket contributing to the development of the global game.
“Suresh’s selection is a proud moment for Indonesian cricket. His appointment also shows how expertise from Associate Members can contribute to the ICC’s global programmes and help develop the next generation of umpires.”
The ICC’s four-day Global Workforce Training programme took place in the Philippines from October 26 to 29. It brought together 20 selected Master Educators from 13 countries, representing both Full and Associate Members across the ICC’s five regions. The training prepared them to deliver the course consistently across different Member environments, using common course-delivery methods, materials and assessment competencies.
The Master Educators include Suresh Subramanian of Indonesia, David Odhiambo of Kenya, Vijaya Mallela of the United States and Adriaan van den Dries of the Netherlands. Their selection highlights the contribution of officials from Associate Members to the ICC’s global umpire education programme.
Yadav also congratulated Will Glenwright, ICC General Manager – Development; Abhishek Shekhawat, ICC Manager – Participation Programmes; and the wider ICC team for their work on the initiative. He also praised the Philippine Cricket Association for hosting the training and acknowledged Travis McCall, Jamila Khan and Hitesh Sharma for their efforts and support.
“I congratulate Will Glenwright, Abhishek Shekhawat and the wider ICC team for their work in developing this programme. I also thank the Philippine Cricket Association for hosting the training in the Philippines, and Travis McCall, Jamila Khan and Hitesh Sharma for their dedication and support. Bringing educators together from across the ICC’s regions is an important contribution to the game.”
Level 2 is the highest level of umpire education and accreditation currently offered by the ICC to its Members. It builds on the Foundation and Level 1 umpiring pathways, creating a further structured opportunity for umpire development. The first regional course began in Manila on October 31 and is scheduled to run until November 3, with 18 officials from eight ICC Members.
The programme has particular significance for Associate Members. The ICC says it aims to give all Members equal access to high-quality, consistent umpire training and education. Delivered through a regionally distributed network of Master Educators, the course is intended to strengthen Member capability and officiating standards, and contribute to the competitiveness of international cricket.
ICC Chair Jay Shah has described Associate Members as vital to cricket’s continued growth and global expansion. He has also spoken of expanding the sport’s reach in partnership with Members and making cricket more inclusive. The Level 2 programme’s global delivery and stated aim of equal access align with those priorities.
ICC Umpire Level 2 Master Educator and international umpire Langton Rusere has highlighted the importance of confidence, judgment and making decisions under pressure, as well as passing experience to the next generation of umpires—particularly those from Associate Members. The ICC reports more than 50,000 course completions across its global Training and Education programmes. In umpiring, more than 16,000 course participations have been recorded across the Foundation, Level 1 and Tutor Level 1 programmes.
ICC Umpire Level 2 Master Educators
- Africa:
David Odhiambo, Gerhardus Pienaar, Langton Rusere and Thomas Mokorosi.
- Americas:
Gregory Brathwaite, Peter Nero, Jacquline Williams, Reon King and Vijaya Mallela.
- Asia:
Sundaram Ravi, Vrinda Ghanshyam Rathi and Gazi Ashraful Afsar Sohel.
- East Asia-Pacific:
Dr Muhammad Qureshi, Tony Gillies, Suresh Subramanian and Claire Polosak.
- Europe:
Adriaan van den Dries, Sue Redfern MBE, Paul Baldwin and Mark Hawthorne.
