Brian Aldridge steps down as an ICC Regional Referee

New Zealander who stood in 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup final retires after four years on panel

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the retirement of Brian Aldridge as an ICC Regional Referee for the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) region and also as an Umpire Coordinator for the region.

Having been an international umpire from 1986 to 1995, standing in 26 Test matches and 45 ODIs ? including the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup 1992, Mr Aldridge joined the Regional Referee panel in 2007. 

Christchurch-born Mr Aldridge also worked as New Zealand Cricket's Umpire Manager from 1996 to 2009 while in 2000 he became involved with the ICC EAP umpire development programme within the region and was also used as a referee for tournaments within the region from 2004 onwards.

Mr Aldridge will remain on the committee that selects the ICC Associate and Affiliate Umpires which sits on an annual basis.

Upon announcing his decision to step down from his role, Mr Aldridge said: "I have always held a great passion for cricket development beyond the traditional cricket playing countries.

"It has been my privilege to be involved in this development work as ICC Regional Referee and as an Umpire Coordinator with the ICC East Asia-Pacific region.

"During this time I have seen first-hand the game of cricket in the EAP region go through a remarkable growth and it has been very exciting to look back on how the game has improved in the way it has been managed, played and umpired.?

"I have had a very long and enjoyable relationship with the game of cricket, and will leave with many fond memories and fantastic friendships. With the recent earthquake in Christchurch it is now time that I focus my energy on being with family and helping the local community in the recovery process," said Mr Aldridge.

ICC Umpires and Referees' manager Vince van der Bijl paid tribute to Mr Aldridge: "Brian has been a tremendous servant to the game as a former umpire, administrator and more recently with his work in cricket development.

"Brian's work has helped laid the foundations for umpiring to be able to flourish within the East Asia-Pacific region. We are very grateful for his contribution and he receives our support and well wishes for his work to aid the recovery process in his hometown of Christchurch."

Finally, ICC EAP regional development manager Andrew Faichney added his thanks to Mr Aldridge for all his hard work and efforts in the region.

"Brian has had a huge impact on the EAP region over the last 10 years and our umpire community, and the region as a whole, would not be where it is today without Brian's involvement. The administrators, players, officials and umpires are all indebted to Brian's service and friendship," said Faichney.

‘Do not want to be talked as potential India coach’

He is among the most talked about possible candidates for the Indian cricket coach’s job, but New Zealander Stephen Fleming does not even want to discuss the prospect of taking up the post left vacant by Gary Kirsten.

Fleming is currently incharge of IPL team Chennai Super Kings of which Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the captain.

“I enjoy my relationship with all the Indian players and Dhoni is a special player I am involved with. He is a captain with free space. I have been working with Suresh Raina and others as well. Just about time that I do not want to be talked about as a potential Indian coach,” Fleming said after CSK’s 25-run win over Pune Warriors here on Monday night.

On Dhoni’s captaincy and instincts, Fleming said, “he is not too much on planning. His captaincy is based on information on the field like how the pitch plays and the manner in which the opposition is batting. There is a gut feel about his captaincy.

Asked about his relationship with the World Cup winning Indian skipper, Fleming said, “We just have a relationship where we the players are talked about behind the scenes. He is always free on the field and that gives us an edge.”

Ex-Oz coach Buchanan set to take over Kiwi cricket

Wellington (New Zealand), Apr.12 (ANI): Former Australian cricket team coach John Buchanan is almost certain to be appointed New Zealand Cricket's first director of cricket.

The cricket board is expected to rubber stamp the appointment this Friday.ccording to a report in the Dominion Post, the job is being created to oversee NZ Cricket's entire high-performance programme, which includes the Black Caps.

Buchanan is the clear frontrunner for the position. The others in the race were former England coach Duncan Fletcher and former Indian cricket team coach Gary Kirsten.

Buchanan will be offered a contract on Friday if, as expected, the NZ Cricket board agrees he is the right fit.

Buchanan was the Australian coach between 1999 and 2007 and has worked as a cricket consultant since.

According to the Sunday Star Times, he will become arguably the most powerful man in New Zealand cricketNZ Cricket boss Justin Vaughan when he is appointed. after

The appointment needs to be made before a decision is made on the replacement for Daniel Vettori as Black Caps skipper.

"I can certainly confirm we've met with John," Vaughan said last week.

"He's got great credentials for the role but we've spoken to a few candidates and ultimately there will be a recommendation made to the New Zealand Cricket board on Friday."

The director of cricket is expected to play a major role in the appointment of a new national selection panel and the next Black Caps captain.

The current panel members - Mark Greatbatch, Glenn Turner and Lance Cairns - are off contract at the end of this month. (ANI)