ICC Umpires and Match Referees' three-day workshop concludes in Dubai

The three-day Emirates Elite Panel of International Cricket Council (ICC) Umpires and Match Referees' workshop concluded in Dubai on Wednesday.

The annual seminar was attended by all 12 members of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, seven Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees, three members of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires and four umpire coaches.

The workshop covered a wide range of topics as the match officials geared up for the forthcoming international season, which culminates with the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2015.

The discussed topics included player behaviour, Decision Review System (DRS) and TV umpire training, illegal bowling actions, playing conditions and CWC 2015 planning.

ICC's Umpire Performance and Training Manager Simon Taufel oversaw the workshop. During these sessions, the match officials also exchanged information and shared their experiences from the previous season.

Speaking after the workshop, ICC General Manager Cricket Geoff Allardice said that they do not get many opportunities to get all of their match officials together in the one place, so they use the forum to cover a lot of the topical issues in international cricket.

Allardice said that there was a wealth of knowledge and experience in the room, and it was pleasing to see the excellent teamwork displayed during the three days. He added that this can only assist the ICC in sending a stronger and more consistent team of umpires and referees to international matches.

ICC Chief Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle said that the workshops are always very interesting, adding it is where they meet and share their experiences with colleagues who they haven't met for the whole year.

ICC's Umpire Performance and Training Manager Simon Taufel said that they are keen to always explore opportunities where they can get better at what they do, and they are looking for the guys to show leadership and keep raising standards.