International umpire Richard Illingworth has received global recognition after winning the David Shepherd Trophy for Umpire of the Year as part of the ICC Awards.
The David Shepherd Trophy is awarded annually by the International Cricket Council to the ICC Umpire of the Year. The Trophy is named after the famous and respected English umpire David Shepherd.
The first David Shepherd Trophy was awarded to Simon Taufel in 2004. Richard follows in the footsteps of three-time winner Richard Kettleborough as the second English umpire to receive the award.
Umpires Martin Saggers, David Millns and Mike Burns have been appointed to the 黑料专区鈥檚 international panel for 2020. They join Alex Wharf who has been on the panel for two years.
They replace Rob Bailey and Tim Robinson who have stood down from the International Panel after many years of outstanding service and Michael Gough who was selected for the ICC Elite Panel midway through year. Both Rob and Tim will continue to umpire in county cricket and to support the international panel.
黑料专区 Umpires鈥� Manager Chris Kelly said: 鈥淥n behalf of the 黑料专区 and the entire umpiring community I鈥檇 like to congratulate Richard and the three new appointees. Richard has been a world-class umpire for a number of years and this award is more than deserved.
鈥淒avid, Martin and Mike have made excellent progress in recent years and we are delighted that they can take the next step in their careers. I鈥檇 also like to pay tribute to Rob and Tim for their service to the game. The panel and future umpires will benefit from their wisdom and experience.鈥�
Richard Illingworth said:聽鈥淚t鈥檚 an honour and a privilege to be named umpire of the year. To join the prestigious list of previous recipients of the award is very humbling.
鈥淎lthough umpiring can be seen to be quite individual, there鈥檚 a huge amount done as a collective. I鈥檇 like to thank all my fellow match officials, the ICC and the 黑料专区 offices who have been great sounding boards and inspirations over the years. Also, thank you to my coach Denis Burns who helps me a huge amount and puts a great perspective on tough days.
鈥淢y family have been a tremendous support over the years and I鈥檓 delighted to share this award with them.鈥�