Steve Bucknor’s Retirement
By Dr. Aamir A. Salaria,
St. Peters , Missouri
It’s sad to know that Steve Bucknor is going to retire after officiating in his last one day international on March 29, 2009 between England and the West Indies at Barbados, West Indies. He was by far one of the best umpires that the world of international cricket had produced. His proud achievement speaks for itself. Having officiated in a record 128 Test matches and 179 ODIs, including five consecutive World Cups, and being the first umpire to officiate in 100 Tests is a record that would not be easily breakable.
I have the distinguished honor of meeting with Steve Bucknor in person at the famous and historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates in the 1990's and found him to be a noble and humble person. I liked his unique style of waiting for few moments before raising his finger to declare a batsman out. For many cricketers, both on and off the field, he was for sure an excellent role model and an inspiration to all youngsters
who want to be cricket umpires.
His great legacy could be further consolidated and reinforced if the West Indies cricket board makes him the head of a coaching center wherein new and budding cricket umpires could be trained, educated and tested under his expertise and promise. By doing so, the world of cricket in general and cricket in the Caribbean in particular could immensely benefit.
It will be a befitting retirement gift for Steve Bucknor if ICC, the governing body of global cricket, bestows upon him a well deserved " Lifetime Achievement Award" and his picture and profile is included in the "Cricket Hall of Fame."
