Richie Richardson to become ICC match referee

Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson will join the ICC's elite panel of match referees as a replacement for the retiring Roshan Mahanama.

However, Richardson will not take up his new position until early next year, when he completes his current tenure as manager of the West Indies team. Mahanama last week announced his intention to step down from the ICC's elite panel at the end of the year after more than a decade in the role.

The appointment means Richardson will become the first West Indian to serve as a match referee in Tests since Clive Lloyd, who retired in 2007. He also follows fellow West Indians Jackie Hendriks, Cammie Smith, Everton Weekes and Clyde Walcott, who all served as match referees in the past.

"I am excited and honoured to have been selected for one of the most important jobs in cricket," Richardson said. "Having been on either side of the fence, first as a player and then as an administrator, I think I have the experience and insight to help me contribute positively alongside some of the finest and most experienced match officials."

www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/922157.html