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Billy Bowden replaces Rauf

Billy Bowden.

Dubai: Billy Bowden will replace Asad Rauf in the first India-England cricket Test in Chennai even though the Pakistan umpire is expected to officiate in the second Test at Mohali.

According to an International Cricket Council (ICC) statement, Rauf had a city-specific visa for the first Test, but with the match shifted from Ahmedabad to Chennai following the Mumbai terror attacks, he could not manage a new visa in time.

“Pakistani nationals require city-specific visas when travelling to India. This week Asad Rauf, the Emirates Elite Panel umpire who was to officiate in both Tests, received his passport back with a visa appropriate for the original venues.

“With the change in venues he required a new visa but due to the weekend, followed by the Id holidays, there was insufficient time for one to be issued, so he has had to step down from the first Test,” the ICC said in a statement.

“He will be replaced by Billy Bowden, also of the Emirates Elite Panel, who will officiate in the first Test in Chennai, beginning on December 11,” the statement read.

“It is anticipated Rauf will be able to stand in the second match of the series in Mohali, starting on December 19,” it added.

Daryl Harper is the other ICC umpire for the series, which will have Jeff Crowe as the match referee. — PTI

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