ICC WT20: Lorgat Praises Spirit And Match Officials

ICC WT20: Lorgat Praises Spirit And Match Officials

Haroon Lorgat (left).

©REUTERS/Punit Paranjpe (INDIA SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has praised the way in which the ICC World Twenty20 was played and the match officials one day after both men's and women's tournaments were concluded.

“The spirit of this tournament has been one of the great aspects of it,” said Mr Lorgat. “We talk a lot about the spirit of cricket and what it means to our sport but ultimately it is down to the players to conduct themselves in the best manner and I have been very impressed with their contributions in that regard.

“Sometimes when the heat is on and a tense battle is unfolding, there is a tendency for players to lose their cool but that just didn’t happen this time. It is great for the image of the game and how it is perceived by the wider public that this unique spirit is maintained,” he said.

He went on to laud the match officials and the quality of their decision-making throughout the 17-day tournament that saw Pakistan win the men's event and England triump at home in the women's tournament.

“I thought our umpires and match referees collectively had a great tournament. They can be very proud,” said Mr Lorgat.

“The quality of decision-making was very high but also there are plenty of aspects of an umpire’s or referee’s job that are not so visible. How they interact with players on and off the field can affect how the game is played and I think our match officials generally have a good rapport with players. There is a genuine sense of mutual respect and, perhaps more importantly, a universal respect for the game.

“So I want to thank the players and the officials for their part in making the event such a great success.

“I also want to thank the England and Wales Cricket Board, particularly the tournament director Steve Elworthy, the four wonderful venues, the volunteers, our commercial partners and broadcasters, members of the media and the ICC staff for their vital contributions.”

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