Umpiring is one of the components, which has been identified for development, and upliftment of standards.
Modern day cricket at international level demands for competent officials and as such it has become paramount importance for us as a test playing nation to adopt a universally accepted umpiring evaluation system.
Introduction of such system would certainly ensure consistency in performance and also to make the right choice to serve in the National Grid International Panel of Umpires of the International Cricket Council.
The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka in conformity with such requirements has forged ahead to appoint K.T. Francis, as the 'Director of Umpiring' with effect from August 1.
Francis is an internationally reputed umpire with many years of experience. He serves in the National Grid International Panel of Umpires appointed by the International Cricket Council from its inception i.e. from February 1994. His functions will include recruitment and training of umpires, uplifting the standard of umpiring, and also to assist the Board's Umpires Committee in assigning umpires for the domestic tournaments and for International matches in Sri Lanka.