ICC umpires seminar in Dubai

Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, has announced that the world's top cricket officials, The Emirates Elite Panel of International Cricket Council (ICC) Umpires and Referees, will be holding their forthcoming annual seminar at the Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, Dubai, from April 4-6.

The 16 delegates arrive in Dubai over the next two days from 10 different counties, including Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, South Africa, England, Jamaica, India, Guyana, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.

Maurice Flanagan, Emirates Group Managing Director, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming the members of the Emirates Elite Panel of Umpires and Referees to Dubai for their annual seminar. Emirates' sponsorship has funded the day-to-day operation of this new, full time system of umpires and referees and we are pleased that our association with the game at the highest level is helping to play such a significant role in the development of the Panel and the overall standard of officiating."

A year since the Emirates Elite Panel was convened; the leading officials will look at the Playing Conditions for Test Match and One Day International cricket as well as the ICC's Code of Conduct with a view to promoting a consistency of interpretation.

They will hear presentations from former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga and English Premier League football referee Steve Bennett. They will also attend workshops with the ICC's Umpires and Referees manager Chris Kelly and former umpire Tony Crafter.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed and General Manager – Cricket David Richardson will be present in Dubai as well as Sunil Gavaskar, the Chairman of the ICC's Cricket Committee – Playing.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed welcomed the opportunity for the Emirates Elite Panel to come together. He said: "For most of the year the umpires and referees from the Emirates Elite Panel are officiating in different parts of the world.

"The seminar in Dubai provides an ideal opportunity for them to come together and discuss the Playing Conditions for Test Match and ODI cricket."

The three-year multi-million dollar sponsorship agreement grants Emirates naming rights for the international panel of umpires and referees, and use of the title as the Official Airline of the ICC.
Emirates is the official carrier for all ICC travel, where direct flights are available to the required destination.