The elevation overnight of New Zealand umpire Chris Gaffaney to the ICC’s Emirates Elite Panel for the first time is exciting recognition of a young umpire on the rise, says New Zealand Cricket National Umpires Manager Rodger McHarg.
Dunedin-born Gaffaney, 39, has had an outstanding 12 months, rewarded by selection to stand in the ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup.
“Chris handled that really well, and has now quickly earned his place at the top,” says McHarg.
“Prior to the CWC, over the past three or four years he’d built up a strong portfolio of performances at international level, and has clearly impressed with a strong summer and ability to consistently step up and accept the challenges of umpiring in that intense, exciting environment. We’re absolutely delighted to see him have his chance to show what he can do at the highest level.”
Gaffaney represented the SBS Bank Otago Volts in an 11-year career as an opening batsman, playing 83 first-class and 113 one-day matches.
He made his first-class umpiring debut in 2005, having been fast-tracked into the national umpiring system after expressing an interest to New Zealand Cricket as he neared the end of his playing career.
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While first-class experience isn’t essential in order to develop a top umpiring career, McHarg says Gaffaney’s playing days provided “a wonderful foundation” for understanding the role. He quickly made his international umpiring debut, in Toronto in September 2010 in an ODI between Canada and Ireland; and has now umpired two Tests, 41 ODIs and 15 T20is before his 40th birthday.
Gaffaney noted that he has “a number of people to thank, especially those who have assisted from the very beginning of my umpire career.
“I need to mention the support and understanding of both New Zealand Cricket and New Zealand Police, who allowed me the opportunity to follow my career as a policeman and also as an umpire. I am extremely grateful for their understanding which has made this possible.”
Gaffaney and Sundaram Ravi replace New Zealand’s Billy Bowden and the retiring Steve Davis on the Elite panel — while clearly delighted for Gaffaney, McHarg also feels for fellow umpire Bowden.
“It’s tough for Billy, but we will welcome his involvement in New Zealand this summer, where he will be an outstanding asset with his international experience.”
CEO David White today congratulated Gaffaney on his appointment. “Knowing his passion for the game and how much discipline goes into developing your skills as an umpire, along with everyone I’m absolutely thrilled to see Chris rewarded with this significant role in international cricket. We have no doubt that he will continue impressing as an umpire of the highest calibre.”
The Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires for 2015-16
Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker and Bruce Oxenford. The new panel comes into effect from 1 July.
