PTI
 
New Delhi, Jun 1: Indian umpires were not upto world standards and it was a challenge for the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) to improve on their performance, a top ICC official said on Wednesday.

Dave Richardson, former South African cricketer and ICC General Manager of Cricket Operations, said if no Indian featured in the ICC Elite Umpires panel it was not due to any flaw in the appointment process.

"We do it (appointment) as professionally as we can. Who ever does well is going to move forward. And if you are not upto the mark and there are other international umpires who are better, then you will be left out," Richardson said.

"It is a challenge for the BCCI to see that Indian umpires make it to the Elite Panel." Richardson, here for the launch of LG ICC Players Rankings website, said the proposal to trial referring appeals to the third umpire had mixed response.

"I should say the reaction has been pretty mixed. It is split 50-50 among the players, umpires, officials and even the media," he said.

"Mark Benson (ICC umpire from England) felt that he would be better off getting decisions verified by the third umpire and be not crucified later.

"There are others who feel they are better qualified to make the decisions on their own."