Taufel umpired in 74 Tests and 174 ODIs with his last Test and ODI appearances being at Lord’s a month ago
When Simon Taufel strides out to the middle alongside Aleem Dar seconds before the start of the ICC World Twenty20 final here on Sunday, the Australian will surely feel a twinge of emotion.
Having announced his retirement from the ICC’s Elite Panel, the renowned umpire is all set to bow out after a one last stand near the pitch, making split-second decisions with an unflappable approach while his face will remain inscrutable as ever.
Taufel, who is all set to embrace his new role of being the ICC High Performance Manager for Umpires, spoke to the media here on Saturday. Excerpts:
The big game
I can instantly remember that the India versus Pakistan (semifinal) game at Mohali during the 2011 World Cup was the most exciting one. The Prime Ministers of the two countries were present and it was more than just a game of cricket.
I believe there were two finals in 2011 World Cup. The semifinal and the final.
The challenges
Shane Warne bowling 25 overs on the fifth day of a Test match in Adelaide or (Muttiah) Muralitharan bowling 25 overs on the final day at Kandy were some of the big moments.
The moment of truth
That day (on which terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus at Lahore in 2009) did change me personally.
I learnt a lot on that day and it helped me focus on the priorities of my life. After that incident, I had to make a difficult phone call to my wife.
The final good-bye
I always wanted to finish at an ICC event and go out on my own terms. I wanted to have my family here when I walk away from on-field international umpiring.
Keywords: T20 World Cup final, ICC T20 World Cup, Simon Taufel, World Cup 2011, retirement, ICC Elite Panel of Umpires
For a nation that produces fine cricketers with abundant skill,as well as arrogance
and hype, Australia has produced in Simon Taufel a gentleman umpire of the highest
caliber.Taufel stands apart as an unbiased Aussie umpire of impeccable integrity and
class which unfortunately cannot be said for some of his breed produced by this
great nation of sportspersons. Some negative feelings that Aussie cricketing had
generated around the world and especially in Asia had been turned around
completely by the on(and off)field behavior of Simon. When his cleancut figure is
seen out on the cricket field, one is assured of correcet and fair decisions for both
teams. He hasn't got an iota of hubris or self-importance in his bones and we shall
sadly miss his good natured smiling face on the cricketing greens of the world in the
fauture. Personally I feel he has retired very much before his time. May his shadow
never grow less.
Take a bow, Simon. You have easily been THE most consistent umpire for a
long long time now. Even after the advent of so-called sophisticated
technology, I do not remember more than a couple of instances when your
decision could be faulted. Had there been an Umpire's Hall of Fame, I
cannot think of a more fitting candidate for induction. Cheers and the
very best to you for your future.
Many congratulations simon on a fabulous career and I am sure you would do your best to promote the game. Thanks for your contribution. You will be missed.
u did a fabulous job and it's a real loss to the world of cricket. u showed a great character on the field and ur decisions at crucial levels were consistent with honesty and maintained the true spirit of the cricket.
we the cricket lovers really miss you Simon.
Wish you a wonderful life ahead with family and friends.
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