The whole world of cricket respects the officials as most games would not be complete without them. The umpires in a match have a huge say in the outcome of the game. So they need to have a lot of patience and also a lot of awareness about the different situations in a game so as to make the game run without any issues. With such a lot of responsibility, having a long career in umpiring and officiating is not easy.
We have already seen the list of umpires who have officiated maximum number of Test Cricket matches and now will see the list of Umpires who have officiated in the highest number of ODIs.
Maximum ODIs as Umpire
Rudi Koertzen
Also known as Rudi Koertzen, he has officiated in 209 ODI matches and tops the list. Born in South Africa, he played league cricket for South Africa Railways in his prime. He made his debut in the year 1981. His slow raise of his finger makes him easily recognizable all around the world.
Billy Bowden
Born in New Zealand, Billy Bowden is one of the most hilarious persons to have ever officiated in an international game of cricket. He came into umpiring after suffering a close to his playing career due to rheumatoid arthritis. His signal of a crooked finger to show that a batsman was out has always been a treat to watch along with his expression. He has officiated in 195 matches and is 2nd in the list.
Steve Bucknor
A former international umpire born in Jamaica, Bucknor used to teach math for high school before becoming an umpire. He is also an international football referee. In 2007 October, he won the Order of Jamaica, Commander Class, for outstanding services in the field of sports. He stood in 181 ODI’s in his international career as an umpire.
Daryl Harper/Simon Taufel
The Australian born Daryl Harper retired in 2011 but was one of the finest umpires of the game. Harper was pushed down from the ICC elite panel after being criticized by India during a tour to the West Indies. This made him retire but not before he stood in 174 matches.
Simon Taufel is also an Australian umpire. He has been one of the most respected umpires in the elite panel of ICC. Having officiated in 174 matches before retiring, Taufel won many hearts with his calmness on the field and his immaculate decision making. He has also retired and is now the Umpire performance and Training manager for the ICC.
Aleem Dar
Aleem Dar is a retired Pakistani first class player and also a member of the ICC elite panel. He is the winner of the umpire of the year award in three consecutive years in 2009, 10, 11. Since his inclusion in the elite panel, Dar has been one of the leading umpires in World Cricket. Till date, he has officiated in 172 One Day International matches.
David Shepherd
Born in 1940 in England, Shepherd was a first class cricketer in England before taking on the Umpire’s role. He is one of the world’s best known Umpires. He has officiated 92 test matches and 172 ODIs in his career. He died of Lung Cancer in 2009 in his home town.
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