Dutch Cricket Umpires Get The NCL Experience

On Jul 31, 2024

A groundbreaking moment in UK grassroots cricket has led to the National Cricket League (NCL) included in providing developmental opportunities to visiting overseas umpires.

This has come about as a result of the NCL developing working relations with Paul Richardson, Chair of the Essex Association of Cricket Officials (ACO).

During the 2023 season, Richardson was the first Essex ACO Chair to reach out and also officiate as the National Cricket League (NCL) gained recognition as a mainstream Sunday Premier League.

In supporting the League Richardson has involved the NCL in providing opportunities for three top match officials from Cricket Netherlands ACO.

Jan Hilhorst, Adwait Despande and Jnanesh Kolli officiated in the top NCL Elite Division fixtures in partnership with the regular NCL match officials.

The NCL has thanked the six elite clubs for accommodating the three visiting match officials from the Netherlands – Chak De Sixers CC 1, Gagan CC, Comilla Warriors CC, Essex Lions CC 1, Mighty Tigers CC and Safe Skills CC for playing such an important part in not only welcoming the officials but also putting in some guests but putting on some match encounters.

The Netherlands contingent were all provided with the opportunity to officiate in the Saturday Hamro Foundation Essex League and on Sunday with the National Cricket League.

In a statement the visitors expressed their satisfaction; “The experience was worthwhile, with positive learning, including diverse officiating opportunities covering l different formats of the game.

“Through observing concepts and approaches on both Saturdays and Sundays our wider awareness increased and we learnt a lot by engaging with the different cricketing cultures too.

“We were blown away with the talent pool and standards on show in the NCL Elite Division.

“Thank you to Essex ACO Chair Paul Richardson for making this wonderful opportunity possible.”

Special thanks were reserved for NCL Management members Sandeep Pathak and Arshad Mughal with the help from Andrew Gallant in organising the programme for the three visiting guests.

Nahed Patel, Co-Founder and Chair of the National Cricket League (NCL) commented, “We are truly delighted for the opportunity to accommodate the day’s proceedings for the three gentlemen from the Netherlands.

“Through positive feedback our clubs have shared praises for our guests who are welcome back at any time in the future.

“We as a League will continue to work with likeminded partners and associations. We thank Paul Richardson for including the NCL as a partner in providing developmental opportunities to visiting officials.”

Sajid Patel, Co-Founder and League Secretary of the National Cricket League (NCL) added, “This is truly a groundbreaking moment, not only for the NCL but for Cricket outside the Traditional Saturday Circuit. This is unprecedented, and we want to strengthen relations with the Essex ACO and other partners.

“This would not have been possible without the forward thinking approach by Paul Richardson. It was a privilege to meet with the three visiting officials and learning from them too.”

The National Cricket League (NCL) will continue to identify pathways and opportunities for umpires to experience officiating in the Netherlands and other cricketing associations as part of exchange programmes to enhance and reinforce development, learning, and experiences.

Highlights:
https://youtu.be/RrR–tU6iMI?si=i07DldkRiPRnHqa5