Asad Rauf and Billy Bowden out of ICC's Elite Panel of Umpires

The ICC has announced that Asad Rauf and Billy Bowden have been removed from the Elite Panel of Umpires for the year 2013-2014. Richard Illingworth of England and Paul Reiffel of Australia replace them in the new panel.

Earlier during the IPL, Asad Rauf was investigated by the Mumbai police on suspicion of being involved in spot-fixing, after which the ICC withdrew the Pakistani umpire from the Champions Trophy.

Geoff Allardice, the chairman of the ICC’s umpire selection panel, said:

“In Asad’s case, it is important to emphasise that the recent speculation linking his name to the IPL spot-fixing investigation was not considered during the selectors’ deliberations. The selection panel considered the overall performances of the umpires over the past 12 months when deciding which umpires would be offered contracts for 2013-14.

“It is exciting to see Richard and Paul promoted to the elite panel, but it is also important to acknowledge and appreciate the outstanding contributions of Asad and Billy over a long period of time.”

Paul Reiffel had a decent career with Australia as a fast bowler and has officiated as an umpire in in 4 Tests, 30 ODIs and 9 T20Is. Illingworth has umpired in 4 Tests, 16 ODIs and 7 T20Is since July 2010.

Asad Rauf has officiated in 48 Tests, 98 ODIs and 23 T20Is while Billy Bowden, who is very much famous with the crowd for his unique style of showing signals, has umpired in 75 Tests, 181 ODIs and 19 T20Is.

The new Elite Panel: Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Steve Davis, Marais Erasmus, Ian Gould, Tony Hill, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Rod Tucker, Richard Illingworth and Paul Reiffel

Source: ESPN Cricinfo