Each year, Australian and Indian cricket umpires take turns to officiate in two First-Class matches in each other’s countries.
While this Umpiring Exchange Programme allows umpires to learn about varying playing conditions, it also helps them build personal and professional relationships, as it boosts bilateral relations between India and Australia.
Highlights:
- Umpires officiate in First-Class matches under Umpiring Exchange Programme between Australia and India
- Greg Davidson, Abhijit Deshmukh, CK Nandan umpired matches in India and Australia
- Participating umpires say exchange programme boosts Australia-India ties
Greg Davidson, a former First-Grade captain of the Parramatta Cricket Club, umpired his first Ranji Trophy match in February 2020, in Vadodara, Gujarat, in which his co-umpire was Indian umpire, Abhijit Deshmukh.
During the second match in Mumbai, he officiated with C K Nandan from India. Mr Deshmukh and Mr Nandan have also been to Australia via an umpiring exchange programme.
Mr Davidson made his debut in First-Class cricket in 2013, followed by his BBL debut in 2014. Prior to receiving Cricket Australia’s contract as a match official, he was a pitch curator too.
For the love of cricket
Talking about cricket pitches in Vadodara and Mumbai, Mr Davidson told SBS Gujarati that he expected dry and dusty pitches in India but was surprised with what he saw there.
“In fact, pitches in both grounds had a reasonable amount of grass and good carry,” he said.
He added that the players there respected the umpires, which gave left him with a good experience.
Cricket Australia National Umpire Panel (NUP) member in India during annual exchange program between CA and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Source: Greg Davidson
India - Australia relations are stronger than they have ever been. One of the main reasons is cricket, with T20, IPL and the Umpiring Exchange Programme going on between two cricket-loving countries
“It was great to see Steve Smith dancing at an IPL event and embracing Indian culture. We have our star cricketers Warner, Cummins and many more playing in the IPL. A number of Australian commentators and curators are involved with cricket in India, and I can see things just getting better from here.
I would love to see Indian cricket stars, the likes of Dhoni and Kohli, playing in local Australian tournaments like the Big Bash League. I’d love to umpire those matches
Comparing First-Class cricket in India and Australia, Mr Davidson said, “the major difference was neutral curators, extra cameras and match referee’s assistance with the no-ball, stumping and run out decisions in India”.
Batting for better Australia-India ties
Mr Deshmukh, who visited Australia in 2018, stood in with John Ward in Adelaide and with Mr Davidson in Hobart.
He commented on the contribution of cricket in developing relations between India and Australia.
The umpiring exchange programme is working quite well. They have started a pitch curators’ exchange as well
“Just like cricket exchange programmes, both countries could benefit from Olympic players’ exchange programmes and something cultural, like a Bollywood exchange too,” Mr Deshmukh added.
Comparing cricketing conditions in both countries, he said, “we have 39 teams in the Ranji Trophy, while Australia has only six in the Sheffield Shield”.
“Australian wickets have more bounce and swing compared to India, whereas Indian wickets usually offer more turn an average bounce. I was very impressed with the Australian curators.
“Only two curators were managing the grounds and pitches, and they were well-equipped. In India, we have one main curator and 10-12 assistants.
This exchange programme has proven a turning point in my career
Justin Langer came to me after the Hobart match and complimented me on my performance, it was a very satisfying and motivational moment for me. I then got the opportunity to stand in the IPL straight away,” Mr Deshmukh added.
More than just cricket
Mr Davidson’s India trip started with a bit of a cultural shock.
“The Mumbai airport was very noisy and crowded, like a jam-packed cricket stadium. Being 6 feet 10 inches tall, carrying a Cricket Australia kit, I was easily identified and people all over India would approach me for selfies and pictures. It was a rockstar moment,” he recalled.
Mr Davidson’s umpiring partners and match referees took him and his wife, Tracey, to see the Statue of Unity in Vadodara and the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Greg Davidson in India during annual exchange program between CA and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Source: Greg Davidson
“There were superstar moments for us - people wanted to take pictures with us,” he recollected fondly.
“I am very thankful to Cricket Australia, the Indian cricket board, to umpires Abhijit, Nandan, match referees Prasanna and Balakrishna. It was nice of a fellow Indian cricket match referee Varsha Nagrey, to take my wife to the local primary schools in Mumbai, as my wife is a schoolteacher by profession,” Mr Davidson said.
Mr Deshmukh added he was very well looked after by his umpiring partners, Mr Davidson, Mr Ward and by Cricket Australia officials.
Abhijit Deshmukh in Hobart during annual umpire exchange program Source: Greg Davidson
We have made lifelong friends in Australia. We talk about cricket, umpiring, families and life in general
“They made sure I got an Indian meal every day. Greg took me to the zoo in Hobart, where I saw kangaroos and koalas for the first time in my life," Mr Deshmukh said as he shared his memories of Australia.
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