After the Indian cricket team refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, Indian match officials have also declined to participate in the tournament. Reports indicate that no Indian umpire or match referee is included in the officiating panel for the prestigious event.
No Indian Match Officials in ICC Champions Trophy Panel
According to Indian media sources, match referee Javagal Srinath and umpire Nitin Menon have chosen not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Their decision has led the International Cricket Council (ICC) to exclude them from the officiating panel for the tournament.
The reports suggest that Javagal Srinath took leave from the ICC during the event, while Nitin Menon opted out for personal reasons.
Why Indian Match Officials Were Not Assigned Matches in Dubai
One of the key factors influencing this decision is the ICC’s officiating regulations. As per the governing body’s rules, Indian match officials would not have been allowed to supervise India’s matches in Dubai if they were part of the panel.
This restriction, combined with their unwillingness to travel to Pakistan, led to the exclusion of Indian officials from the Champions Trophy.
Javagal Srinath’s Cricketing Background
Javagal Srinath, a former Indian fast bowler, has an extensive cricketing background. The 55-year-old has represented India in 67 Test matches and 229 One Day Internationals (ODIs). After retiring from international cricket, he transitioned into match officiating and has been a respected ICC match referee for several years.
India-Pakistan Cricket Tensions Continue
The Champions Trophy controversy is the latest in a series of cricketing tensions between India and Pakistan. With the Indian team already refusing to play in Pakistan, the absence of Indian match officials further highlights the strained cricketing relations between the two nations.
As the tournament approaches, the ICC will continue to adjust its officiating panel to ensure smooth match supervision in Pakistan.
