Umpire Ian Robinson retires to take up ICC role

Dubai, Sep 18 (UNI) Zimbabwe's Ian Robinson has announced retirement from top-level umpiring to concentrate full-time on his new role as ICC Regional Umpires' Performance Manager (RUPM) for the Africa region.

Robinson, who was in the Emirates Internation Panel, began umpiring in 1975 after a recurring back injury had prematurely ended his playing career.

He was appointed to the first international panel, which was established in 1994, and is a veteran with 28 Tests and 90 ODIs.

He stood in three consecutive ICC Cricket World Cups (1992, 1996 and 1999) as well as a number of other international tournaments and bilateral series all over the world.

His expertise and experience will not be lost as the Zimbabwean was recently appointed as one of five RUPMs and he will have particular responsibility for the Africa region.

''Following my appointment as an ICC Regional Umpires Performance Manager, it has become clear that I will not be able to continue as a member of the ICC International Panel,'' Robonson said.

''It is, therefore, with regret and enormous pride, that I am closing this chapter of my cricket life, so as to be fully effective in my new role,'' he added.

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