The International Cricket Council, ICC, has appointed Enesi Habib to the CCI International Development Panel of Umpires.
Habib’s appointment makes him the first Nigerian to achieve such a feat, coming from the ranks of the regional level.
In a statement by Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, NCF, Habib’s achievement was described as a landmark and significant step for the growth of the game in the country.
“This achievement reflects years of hard work, consistency, and commitment to excellence. It also sets a new standard and opens the door for the next generation of Nigerian officials to aim higher.
“In April, Enesi, who was a former technical rep on the board of the NCF, was appointed as a technical consultant.
“His mandate is to develop home-grown umpires and work with the Federation to organize tournaments in Nigeria that meet international standards.
“The appointment has already proven to be a masterstroke as he is expected to leverage his extensive experience to strengthen the technical development of umpires and match officials across the country,’’ Akpata added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the veteran umpire made his ICC debut in 2018 at the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifiers in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
He has since officiated in multiple ICC tournaments, invitationals, and franchise competitions across the continent, amassing over 60 T20I caps.
The ICC International Development Panel of Umpires consists of high-performing umpires from around the world who are mentored for promotion to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel.
NAN
