Two of Scotland’s leading cricket umpires have been chosen to officiate at this month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup in the West Indies, the highest level at which any umpire from an ICC Associate Member nation can officiate a tournament.
Allan Haggo and David McLean, who are only the second and third Scottish umpires to be invited to umpire an U19 World Cup, depart for the West Indies this week where they officiate throughout the month-long tournament.
Haggo said: “I feel honoured and proud to be selected to officiate and represent Scotland at such a prestigious global tournament. I am looking forward to umpiring in the Caribbean for the first time while getting to see some of the best young talent in world cricket, and perhaps getting an early look at the next Virat Kohli or Joe Root.
“It is also an opportunity to work with and learn from some of the top umpires and match referees in the world. This is the pinnacle of my umpiring journey and I would like to thank all the many people who have helped me along the way.”
McLean said: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to umpire at a world event in a place with such a long cricketing tradition. I am looking forward to umpiring in different conditions with some old friends and with some new colleagues. I hope to learn from some of the top umpires and match referees in the world and to bring that knowledge back to Scotland to share with others.”
Ian Ramage, Cricket Scotland Match Officials Association International & Regional Umpires Manager said “I’m really pleased for Allan & David and delighted they’ve been able to accept the appointment. The ICC consider an U19 World Cup as the pinnacle for an umpire from an Associate nation.
“This is great for them, CSMOA and Cricket Scotland. I’m sure they will do well & represent Scotland with aplomb and I hope they really enjoy the experience.”
The ICC Men’s U19 World Cup starts on January 14th in Guyana.
Name of Author: Cricket Scotland
Cricket Scotland, formerly the Scottish Cricket Union, is the governing body for cricket in Scotland, based at the National Cricket Academy in Edinburgh. Established in 1908 and restructured in 2001, it became an ICC Associate Member in 1994. The organization includes three sub-associations: the East of Scotland Cricket Association, Western District Cricket Union, and Aberdeenshire Cricket Association.