Dubai, May 22 (UNI) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Richard Illingworth

for officiating in 100 Men’s One Day Internationals as an umpire.

Illingworth, a four-time winner of the ICC Umpire of the Year award, reached the three-figure landmark in the first ODI between Ireland and the West Indies in Dublin on Wednesday.

The 61-year-old former England spinner has also been an on-field umpire in 76 Men’s Tests, 35 Men’s T20Is, one Women’s Test, six Women’s ODIs and 13 Women’s T20Is since making his international debut in 2010.

ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, said: "Richard is a respected member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires who has used his experience as an international player to excel as a match official."

"This is a significant milestone that reflects the consistency he has shown over the years. We hope

to see Richard continue to succeed in the coming years. On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate him on reaching this important landmark," he added.

Illingworth said, "It feels great to have officiated in my 100th ODI. Umpiring at the international level

is challenging, but I love every aspect of it."

"I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this circuit because cricket has been a life-long passion for me. To be able to watch the game from so close is an honour and a privilege," he said.

"On this milestone, I would like to express my gratitude to the ICC, the ECB and my colleagues in the ICC Elite Panel for their support over the years, as well as to my family and friends. Without their encouragement, this milestone would not have been possible,” Illingworth said.

Illingworth, a left-arm spinner, played nine Tests and 25 ODIs between 1991 and 1996. He took 19 Test wickets including a wicket with his first delivery in Test cricket. He finished with 30 wickets in ODIs and played in the final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1992.

UNI BM