CHENNAI/NEW DELHI: In an unprecedented effort to better communication skills of umpires, the BCCI as part of its umpire development programme, has decided to put them through a course in English language.
The course will be conducted for the first batch of 20 umpires by a trainer from the British Council from July 23. The duration of the course is 10 days and it will end on August 1. The course has been designed by International Cricket Council, with the British Council. It will be held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. Richard John Cox will be the trainer at the workshop.
Talking to Express, BCCI umpiring sub-committee chairman TC Mathew said shortcomings in language was preventing Indian umpires from making the ICC’s Elite Panel. “We have able umpires. Their communication skills need to be better. If they do that, more of our umpires will be seen at the highest level. That’s why we are having this programme,” he said.
Tamil Nadu’s S Ravi is the only Indian representative on the ICC Elite Panel. He made the cut recently and before him, there was no Indian umpiring at the highest level for a long time.
“The BCCI recognises that command on English language is needed for umpires to communicate effectively with players of different nationalities. This is important in the overall development of our umpires and will go a long way in ensuring that the players and the umpires will understand each other and build a healthy relationship,” BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said in a statement.
“Mr Ravi’s induction in the ICC’s Elite Panel has encouraged us to expand our talent pool. This will not only help the umpires in brushing up their communication skills, but augur well to reach a common understanding in all aspects. There will be an initial assessment of each of the participants before the course starts and another one at the end of the year to measure the success of the programme,” he added.
