UAE umpire is Kiwi liaison officer
New Zealand players see familiar face in Dubai as Jaary, who now lives here, has officiated some of their matches
Dubai: It was a pleasant surprise for some of the New Zealand players. An umpire who used to officiate their matches in New Zealand is their liaison officer for the series.
Fidel Jaary, who officiates in the UAE's domestic cricket, was familiar with them too.
"Kyle Mills plays for an Auckland club called Hawik Pakoranga and I used to officiate his matches when he used to play club cricket in Auckland," said Jaary, who qualified as an umpire from New Zealand but has been living in Dubai for nearly two years.
"Martin Guptill plays for Suburbs Newlynn while Scott Styris represents Parnell. It was nice to meet them after a long time and spend time with them," added Jaary, who officiated in almost all leading Auckland matches before coming here.
"Other players in the team are not from Auckland and so I haven't got to officiate their matches. It is a great experience being with this talented team," said Jaary, who officiated in almost all the Sharjah Cricket Council tournaments last season.
Talking about the New Zealand team, Jaary said: "They are a great bunch. All are very disciplined and are clear about their tasks and goals. They all look up to Daniel Vettori and give their best. Vettori is also a great leader who looks for commitment.
"All are different personalities and some love shopping while some prefer to be in tranquil surroundings, but all have the hunger to emerge a success," he added.
