By IANS
Melbourne : Australia’s Simon Taufel, cricket’s best umpire for the last four years, has revealed that he wants to quit the game as continuous travel is taking a toll on him and his family.
Taufel, who has been ranked world No. 1 by the International Cricket Council (ICC), said that there is no certainty that he will renew his ICC contract that expires March 31.
“After my contract expires, I am in the open market. I am taking it (umpiring job) year by year. It’s important to spend time with my family, especially with my kids,” Taufel was quoted by the Herald Sun as saying.
“I am always looking for new opportunities, not necessarily umpiring.”
The Sydney-based Taufel, 37, said that he was sick of the constant travel, which an elite panel umpire has to do as part of his job that leads to staying away from the family for most of the year.
“It’s challenging. The difference between the players and us (umpires) is that we don’t have a home series as such. That makes it harder. There are fewer opportunities for us. How do you balance that with hobbies and family life and celebrating anniversaries?” he said.
The ICC rules state that international umpires cannot stand in a home Test, so as to avoid any perceived bias. However, they are allowed to officiate in One-Day Internationals (ODI) at home.
Presently, there are just 10 umpires on the ICC Elite Panel, with each one getting a retainer and paid $6,600 per Test and $3,300 per ODI.
However, only eight are entitled to officiate in matches involving some countries of the Indian subcontinent as they have certain objections to playing under the supervision of West Indian Steve Bucknor and Australian Darrell Hair for the mistakes they have made.
Taufel, the umpires’ representative on the ICC’s cricket committee, further said that the ICC needs to do more in assisting the umpires to make better and correct decisions on the field.
“There is never enough being done. There is enough room for the ICC to improve the condition of the umpires with training and support,” he said.
The lanky Australian, who has so far officiated in 49 Tests and 118 ODIs since his debut in 1999 at home, is expected to make a call on his future within weeks as he is still waiting for an annual performance appraisal from the ICC.