Umpire Rizwan Akram 50 not out

Early days as an umpire
“I’m not sure when I exactly started my umpiring career but it has to be somewhere in 2014/2015. I used to stand in some games during the year and tried to combine it with playing games as well. As I kept enjoying umpiring, combined with good feedback from players and coaches and decline in my performances in playing (due to lack of time to practice) my focus moved from playing to fully focus on umpiring.
This was the turning point. Because I didn’t have distraction of wanting to play.
In 2017 I got my first opportunity to officiate in an ICC pathway event in The Netherlands. I still remember the moment I first wore the ICC umpire shirt, very special and proud moment it was.”

International journey
“My journey as an international ICC umpire started in 2018 (12-06-2018 to be exact). Game between Netherlands and Ireland at VOC Rotterdam. My onfield colleague was Alan Neill (from Ireland) who had supported/backed me during the earlier ICC pathway events. This game was also debut game for Bas de Leede and our current captain of the national side, Scott Edwards. And now in my 50th onfield T20 international Scott Edwards made his first 50 in T20i’s. I am extremely proud of this milestone and I hope to not only add to this tally but mainly keep the umpiring standard high. This is only possible when you want to keep learning and improving on what you are doing. Not to forget keep enjoying! Best experience must have been standing at The Home of Cricket, Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on 29-07-2018. This was a MCC triangular series between MCC, Netherlands and Nepal, the game between Netherlands and Nepal being an official T20 international.”

Future plans
“To keep enjoying umpiring and keep improving my skills. I am looking for opportunities abroad during our off season in Netherlands. Alien conditions and more pressure games will help to improve and develop me further as an umpire.”

Thank you
“I would like to thank everyone who I worked with in the past 7 years as an international umpire and whoever has supported me. Just to thank some: KNCB, ICC (Eurpope), Rob Kemming, Gerard Inden (late), Willem Molenaar (late), Peter Borren, Ryan Campbell, Roland Lefebvre, Ryan Cook. Apologies if I forgot someone. Because of all the travelling and days away you need very good understanding and support from home. I am glad that my wife, Sadia, has supported my throughout.”

Advice
“My advice to all the local umpires would be to put hard work into umpiring if they want to become an international umpire. It is not impossible, but a lot of hard work and dedication is required. Hiding behind excuses won’t help. Accepting your own mistakes and wanting to learn from it is essential part of your own development. I would be more than happy to help if and when required.”