Dubai: The ICC on Thursday announced the Emirates Elite Panel of umpires for 2014-2015, commencing from July 1, following the annual review and selection process. The only change in the panel from 2013 is the return of Billy Bowden who has replaced Tony Hill. Hill had stepped down from the elite panel earlier this year to take up the role as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) umpire coach.
The Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires for 2014-2015 includes: Aleem Dar, Billy Bowden, Kumar Dharmasena, Steve Davis, Marais Erasmus, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker.
Bowden previously served on the elite panel from 2003-2013 and has so far umpired in 76 Tests, 189 ODIs and 21 T20Is. The Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires was selected by the ICC Umpires Selection Panel consisting of Chairman, Geoff Allardice, ICC's General Manager, Cricket, ICC Chief Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle, ex-England player and coach and umpire, David Lloyd, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, the former India captain and international umpire.
Allardice said: "Billy's return to the elite panel is a result of his hard work and perseverance. His skills and experience will further strengthen the ICC umpiring team."
