dominica2day: Billy Doctrove appointed to elite panel of umpires

Billy Doctrove appointed to elite panel of umpires
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Dominica2dayChief Editor on 10 April, 2006 04:28:00
 
Billy Doctrove made history once again by becoming the first Dominican and
second West Indian to be appointed to the Emirates Elite Panel of International
Cricket Council (ICC) of Umpires. The new appointments of Billy Doctrove along
with Mark Benson and Asad Rauf to the top tier of international cricket umpires
in the world expanded the elite group to ten. The ICC made the announcement
earlier today following its annual review of umpire performance at the end of
March 2006.
In congratulating the new panel members on their achievement, Malcom Speed,
Chief Executive of the ICC said the three new members “earned their places at
the top level by setting high standards in international matches.’’ He
added, “They join an elite group of officials who do an exceptionally
difficult job well.’’
In accepting the appointment, Doctrove said he was proud and honoured to be
granted the special honour and recognition. “I feel real elated and proud to
have been appointed by the ICC unto the elite panel. It is something that I have
worked hard and long for over the years. It’s 31 years since I have been
umpiring and so it’s a very long time and to be involved in any activity you
would like to know that you have the opportunity to reach the very top and being
considered to be one of the top ten umpires in the world is indeed a proud
moment and a great achievement for myself and my family and Dominica.”
In making the decision the ICC took into consideration the correct decision
percentages of umpires and the reports from captains and match referees. “I
knew that over the past two years which was the period under review that I was
doing very well based on my assessments so I always thought I had an opportunity
to get on the elite panel” Doctrove said, expressing more relief than
surprise.
To date Doctrove has officiated in 7 test matches and 45 one day internationals
(ODI). He stood in his first ODI between the West Indies and England in 1998 and
made his test debut in Antigua in 2000.