Dubai, Jan 18 (IANS): Chris Broad became only the second member of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees to officiate in 250 One-Day Internationals (ODI) when he took the field in the second match between South Africa and West Indies at the Wanderers Sunday.
Broad, a former left-handed opening batsman, played county cricket for Gloucestershire and Nottinghamshire as well as first-class cricket in South Africa for the Orange Free State.
He was a mainstay in the England side in the mid-80s, representing his country in 25 Tests and 34 ODIs in which he scored 1,661 and 1,361 runs, respectively. During an illustrious first-class career, he scored a total of 21,892 runs, including 50 centuries.
Following his retirement and a brief stint as a commentator, the 57-year-old soon made the transition to refereeing and marked his debut in the first Test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Hamilton in December 2003. A month later, he made his ODI debut in the same series in Auckland.
He was included in the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referee in 2004.
"I have many happy memories in my career as a match referee and this is a huge honour for me to reach this landmark. As an ex-cricketer, to remain involved in a sport which has given me so much, I feel privileged to work alongside some outstanding match officials and retain a strong affiliation with the game I love," Broad said in an International Cricket Council (ICC) statement.
"I would like to acknowledge the encouragement of ICC. Last but not least, I am indebted to my family and friends for their love and support throughout the years. It is an incredibly exciting time to be involved in the game and with an World Cup on the horizon, there’s so much to look forward to.”
Paying tribute to Broad, ICC’s Senior Umpires & Referees Manager Vince van der Bijl said: “Chris Broad is passionate about his role as ICC match referee and has always felt that it is the best job in the world."
"He officiates with a wealth of cricket experience behind him, with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach and has done sterling service for the game. Congratulations Chris on this special milestone and thank you for your committed service,” van der Bijl added.
List of referees to have refereed in 150 ODIs or more:
1. Ranjan Madugalle 288
2. Chris Broad 250
3. Jeff Crowe 207
4. Roshan Mahanama 207
5. Javagal Srinath 150