Credit: International Masters League
Simon Taufel and Billy Bowden will return as umpires in the inaugural edition of the International Masters League T20. Both legendary umpires will be seen officiating games in the competition, along with GR Vishwanath, Umesh Dubey, and Lyndon Edward Hannibal. The return of these names will take cricket fans back to the mid 2000s and early 2010s when both Taufel and Bowden used to bring joy to the faces of fans with their stellar level of umpiring in competitive cricket.
Taufel, who won the ICC Umpire of the Year trophy five times, will lead the umpire’s panel while Vishwanath will be seen as match referee to ensure the matches are conducted in a fair way.
Officiating in matches featuring some of the greatest cricketers of all time is an absolute privilege: Simon Taufel
Expressing excitement on his return, Taufel said, “Cricket has given us many unforgettable moments, and the International Masters League is bringing those glory days back. To stand in the middle once again and officiate in matches featuring some of the greatest cricketers of all time is an absolute privilege. Fans can expect top-quality action, camaraderie, and an experience once again to be cherished.”
Billy Bowden’s quirky umpiring style is still missed in international matches by ardent cricket supporters. The 61-year-old has officiated 395 international matches thus far. Currently, he conducts New Zealand’s domestic matches.
Former India skipper GR Vishwanath also looked delighted for the upcoming tournament. With the aim to upheld the game’s spirit in the tournament, he said, "It is an honour to be the match referee for the inaugural edition of the International Masters League. This tournament brings together some of the biggest names in cricket, and I look forward to ensuring that the spirit of the game is upheld while witnessing these icons showcase their skills all over again. The passion for the sport never fades, and I am excited to be part of a league that celebrates the legacy of cricket’s finest.”
Former cricketers to feature in IML’s inaugural edition
The International Masters League (IML) will mark the presence of former cricketers such as former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, Australia’s Shane Watson, former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan, West Indies’ Brian Lara, and former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis for their respective teams in the tournament.
The competition will be played from February 22 to March 16, 2025, with matches to be held in Indian cities Mumbai, Raipur, and Vadodara. Six teams will lock horns with one another for 23 days.
