ICC congratulates Asad Rauf on Emirates Elite Panel Appointment

ICC General Manager - Cricket, David Richardson, today congratulated Pakistani official Asad Rauf on his appointment to the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.

"Asad has risen rapidly through the ranks over recent seasons and his performances in recent times merit his promotion to the Emirates Elite Panel," said Mr Richardson.

"He has shown very good judgement in several high-profile ODI matches and we were particularly impressed with the way that he handled the Boxing Day Test between Australia and South Africa.

"His decision-making is good as is his understanding of the game and we look forward to working more closely with him to continue to develop his skills."

A more extensive media release detailing the composition of the new 10-man Emirates Elite Panel is available at www.icc-cricket.com.

Test matches: 5
ODI matches: 18

Asad began umpiring at the same time as his younger club cricket colleague Aleem Dar who is also on the Emirates Elite Panel. Asad was encouraged to take up umpiring after a lengthy first-class cricket career and after making his first tentative steps in 1997, quickly progressed through the ranks to be rewarded with his first ODI appointment in February 2000. He has stood a further 17 ODI matches including six high-profile Pakistan - India encounters and the first three games of India's current home series against England. The highlight of his five Test career to date has been his performance in the Boxing Day Test between Australia and South Africa.