Javagal Srinath joins Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Referees

The International Cricket Council today confirmed the composition of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Referees for the next 12 months with former India pace bowler Javagal Srinath joining the seven current members of the Panel.

Srinath was selected to join the Panel after an international interview process involving nominees from several ICC Full Members. In addition Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Alan Hurst, Clive Lloyd, Ranjan Madugalle, Roshan Mahanama and Mike Procter all retained their places on the Emirates Panel following an annual review conducted by ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed and Cricket Committee Chairman Sunil Gavaskar.

"The Emirates Elite Panel referees have a very important role in overseeing all international cricket series on behalf of the ICC and we are delighted to welcome Javagal onto the Panel," said Mr Speed.

"Javagal's credentials make him an ideal candidate to join this group. He was a highly respected member of the India team for twelve years and played 67 Test matches and 229 ODIs. It is only three years since he retired from international cricket and he has remained closely involved in the game ever since in various roles including media work and serving as a member of the ICC Bowling Review Group.

Srinath said that he was thrilled to be offered the post and confirmed that it will take priority over other commitments.

"It is a tremendous honour to be asked to join the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Referees," said Srinath.

"Match referees are very important to the smooth running of international cricket and I am looking forward to stepping into this crucial role.

"It is now my top priority to learn the fundamentals of being a match referee and I can't wait until my first appointment."

The involvement of highly experienced former players as match referees is part of the ICC's commitment to involving players across its operations. The members of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Referees have a combined total of 333 Test caps and 709 ODI matches.

The full composition of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Referees for 2006-07 is:

Chris Broad
Jeff Crowe
Alan Hurst
Clive Lloyd
Ranjan Madugalle
Roshan Mahanama
Mike Procter
Javagal Srinath