Former New Zealand first class cricketers Shaun Haig and Chris Brown are set to umpire in internationals for the first time in the upcoming summer, alongside long-standing domestic official Wayne Knights.
The trio have been named on New Zealand Cricket's 2016-17 International Umpires Panel, from which they will be selected for various umpiring duties in all ANZ International Series fixtures.
The promotion represents a rapid rise through the ranks for the 33-year-old Haig, who has impressed with his officiating since ending a 59-game playing career with Otago in 2012.
Brown (43) was born in Rarotonga and played 15 first-class matches for Auckland, four for the New Zealand Academy and played international cricket for the Cook Islands.
Having started umpiring club cricket in the late 1990’s, Knights (45) has completed five seasons on the NZC National Umpire Panel, having served a number of years on the National Reserve Panel.
NZC Match Officials Manager Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri said it was exciting to be introducing three new and relatively young officials on to the international stage.
“It’s a massive opportunity for the guys and they deserve it based on their umpiring performances over recent seasons.
“We’re delighted to see more former players coming through the umpiring system and hope it continues to be seen as an attractive pathway.”
NZC also confirmed the other six umpires on the National Panel, who will control men’s domestic matches and WHITE FERNS fixtures.
The only change to the list is the inclusion of Haig in place of veteran Kiwi umpire Barry Frost, who retired at the end of last season.
Frost said after 16 seasons and 100 first-class games, it was now time for him to step aside.
“I would like to thank my wife for her understanding and support both with my umpiring and in making this decision. I will miss the camaraderie of my fellow panel umpires, scorers, groundsmen and match officials around the country,” Frost said.
New Zealand’s leading umpire Chris Gaffaney has been retained by the ICC Elite Umpires Panel for a second year.
The National Reserve Panel selections will be released early next month.
NZC International Panel
Chris Brown (Auckland)
Wayne Knights (Auckland)
Shaun Haig (Otago)
NZC National Umpires Panel
Brent Bowden (Auckland)
Chris Brown (Auckland)
Tony Gillies (Auckland)
Shaun Haig (Otago)
Phil Jones (Auckland)
Wayne Knights (Auckland)
Ash Mehrotra (Northern Districts)
Tim Parlane (Canterbury)
Derek Walker (Otago)
