Dubai, Feb 19(ANI): Asoka de Silva of the Emirates Elite Panel of International Cricket Council (ICC) Umpires was on Friday honoured for completing a century of ODIs, a landmark reached during the recently concluded series between Australia and Pakistan Down Under.
De Silva became only the 12th umpire to reach the milestone when he stood in the fifth ODI, which was played in Perth on January 31.
To mark the achievement, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat presented a crystal plaque to the umpire on behalf of the ICC before the start of the Twenty20 International between Pakistan and England at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Sports City.
De Silva, who also represented Sri Lanka in 10 Tests and 28 ODIs between 1985 and 1992, reflecting on his achievement, said: "I am humbled and honoured to have completed a century of ODIs as an umpire.
"When I look at the umpires who are on this list, it makes me really proud as the group includes some of the most iconic names of this noble profession. It would have been nice to have played more and therefore been more successful at international cricket but umpiring is another way of experiencing our great game while my cricketing background has helped me immensely in my umpiring career."
"It has been a fascinating journey so far as I have been privileged to be part of a very strong, committed and professional group of umpires. And to stand in matches that feature the best cricketers of this era, is something I love and thoroughly enjoy," he added.
De Silva was inducted into the elite panel along with Steve Davis in April 2008 after having previously served on the panel between 2002 and 2004.
While de Silva has umpired in 12 Tests and 24 ODIs since his return to the panel, Davis is just six ODIs away from becoming the fourth Australian and 13th overall to stand in 100 ODIs.ost appearances by umpires (as of 18 February 2010):Rudi Koertsen (202), Steve Bucknor (181), David Shepherd (172), Daryl Harper (161), Simon Taufel (147), Billy Bowden (141), Darrell Hair (139), Aleem Dar (127), Russell Tiffin (111), David Orchard (107), Steve Dunn (100) and Asoka de Silva (100). (ANI)
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