Dubai, March 03, 2012: Chris Broad has become only the second member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees to complete a double-century of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) when he took the field for the toss in the first final of the three-nation tournament between Australia and Sri Lanka in Brisbane on Sunday.
The 54-year-old former England opener made his debut on 3 January 2004 in Dunedin in an ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan. And now after eight years, Mr. Broad stands as only the second match referee after Ranjan Madugalle to have officiated in 200 or more ODIs.
In addition to 200 ODIs, Mr. Broad has officiated in 51 Tests, which puts him third on the all-time list behind Madugalle (132) and Clive Lloyd (53), while his 41 T20Is places him in second position after Madugalle (46).
As an opener for England, Gloucestershire, Nottinghamshire and Orange Free State, Mr Broad played in 340 first-class matches, including 25 Tests, scoring 50 centuries (including six in Tests). In 34 ODIs, he scored 1,361 at an average of 40 with his only century being against New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier in 1988. Reflecting on his achievement, Mr Broad said: “Obviously, I have an extra reason to be happy today. But at the same time, it is also an indication of the number of ODIs that have been played since I started my career eight years ago (1,180 ODIs have been played since Mr Broad made his debut as an ICC match referee).
“There have been a number of people who have helped me reach the figure of 200, notably my family, friends, my fellow match officials and my colleagues at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). I have been extremely privileged to have these people around me throughout my career.”
Mr Broad said his love for his job hasn’t lessened, adding his most memorable match as an ICC match referee was the famous ODI at the Wanderers in 2006 when South Africa chased down Australia’s total of 434 to win by one wicket with one-ball to spare.
“It was simply an outstanding day of cricket which produced entertainment all through. The players played as hard as they possibly could, gave the utmost respect to their opponents and played the match within the Spirit of the Game. “I am as passionate and loving of my job as I was on the day of my first game.”
Mr Broad said he has not set any targets for himself: “I don’t set any targets for myself. I like to see cricket being played in a competitive spirit with fairness and honesty.”
In his tribute to Mr Broad, Vince Van Der Bijl, ICC Umpires and Referees Manager and a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1981, said: “This milestone signifies Chris’ dedication to the game and match officiating.
“Chris’ great passion for cricket and the way it should be played is embodied in his refereeing approach. He has a positive and professional drive that is deeply appreciated by his colleagues as well as the home boards across the globe. His sheer enjoyment in being a match referee is infectious.”
Match referees (span) ODIs:
Ranjan Madugalle (1993-to date) 265
Chris Broad (2004-to date) 200
Roshan Mahanama (2008–to date) 179
Jeff Crowe (2004–to date) 165
Mike Procter (2002-2008) 162
Clive Lloyd (1992-2007) 133
Raman Subba Row (1992-2001) 119
Cammie Smith (1993-2002) 118
Javagal Srinath (2006-to date) 111
Alan Hurst (2004-2011) 102
Also
Andy Pycroft (2009-to date) 48
David Boon (2011-to date) 11
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