Nitin Menon becomes the youngest Indian umpire to be included in the ICC's ICC’s Elite Panel of umpires. Nitin, who is only the third Indian umpire in the Elite Panel after Srinivas Venkatraghavan and Sundaram Ravi, has officiated in three Tests, 24 ODIs, 16 T20I games in his career so far.
Menon, who had a short cricketing career playing for the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), switched to umpiring at quite a young age of 23. As of now, the 36-year old has already completed 13 years into his profession before he enters the ICC Elite Panel as the youngest among those on board.
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Menon was inducted into the prestigious panel for the season 2020-21 following the annual review and selection process. A selection panel comprising of Geoff Allardice – ICC General Manager (Chairman), former India player Sanjay Manjrekar, and match referees Ranjan Madugalle and David Boon, picked Menon who would replace England's Nigel Llong for the upcoming cycle.
Want to keep the Indian flag flying high, says Nitin Menon
Currently, Nitin is the only Indian umpire on the Elite Panel after Sundaram Ravi faced the axe last year. “It’s a great honour and matter of pride for me to be named in the Elite panel. To be officiating regularly along with the leading umpires and referees of the world is something that I always dreamt of and the feeling has yet to sink in,” said the 36-year old after being promoted to the Elite Panel.
Nitin also weighs on the responsibility that accompanies to keep up with the standards of umpiring at international matches. He also looks forward to sharing his experiences with the upcoming Indian umpires along the way. “Having already officiated in Tests, ODIs and T20Is as well as in ICC events, I understand the great responsibility that comes with the job. I look forward to the challenges and will do my best at every opportunity I get. I also feel this is a responsibility on me to take Indian umpires forward and help them by sharing my experiences, “he added.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, BCCI and ICC for their support and believing in my ability over the years. I would also like to thank my family for their sacrifices and unconditional support throughout my career, “Nitin concluded.
