ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Experienced umpire Patrick Gustard has been chosen to participate in the umpire’s exchange programme between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The 45-year-old will stand in matches in the English Country Championship this month and next month, during a two-week stint. Earlier this year, umpire Graham Lloyd of England stood in matches in the WICB Regional Four-day Championship.
“The exchange programme is an important step in the umpires’ development pathway at the WICB. We see it as a vital part of the process as our regional umpires look to broaden their on-field experience in foreign conditions, as well as gain an appreciation for the cultural differences, which exist among the playing nations,” said Rawl Lewis, WICB’s Cricket Operations Officer.
“The programme is now in its eighth year and we have seen great benefits. It is a clear demonstration of the WICB’s intent to develop all aspects of cricket in the West Indies and we hope to see our umpires grow and improve.”
Lewis also noted that several of the umpires currently officiating at the international level: Joel Wilson, Gregory Brathwaite, Nigel Duguid, Leslie Reifer Jr., have participated on the programme in England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.