Tributes pour in for Taufel, the ‘best by far’

Simon Taufel’s retirement as an active umpire at the end of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 will mean that the most decorated member of the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires will not be around to oversee big games anymore.

Taufel has been among the few officials who have been regarded with respect across the board, and once he announced his retirement, players cutting across team boundaries came out with their tributes.

Virat Kohli, vice-captain of the Indian team, said that Taufel had set the bar as far as umpiring is concerned. “He has been the best by far over the years now. He has been very consistent,” said Kohli. “He has built good relations with players, every player is friendly with him and every one respects him. In return, he respects the players as well. We (the players) have a sort of comfort level with him.” Jean-Paul Duminy, the South African middle-order batsman, echoed Kohli’s words. “Taufel has been outstanding for the sport,” said Duminy.

“He is still going to be involved in the training program, so I wish him all the best for the future,” added Duminy, alluding to Taufel’s future engagement as ICC Umpire Training and Performance Manager. Irfan Pathan, the Indian all-rounder, also used the word ‘respect’ liberally in the context. “I think he has taken umpiring to a different level. Whenever you meet him, you feel like giving respect to him,” said Pathan. “The way he has carried himself over the years has been amazing.”

Duminy also mentioned how Taufel would spend many minutes watching teams practice before games. “It’s professionalism,” said Duminy. “I have always seen him in practice sessions before the match, making sure that he has got his eye in.”

Going back to the fact that when Taufel stood as an umpire during a match, the players also felt more confident, Kohli said, “He is not too harsh on you. You know that he is going to do his job well and he expects you to do the same. He is a gem of a person.”“It’s now up to other umpires to live up to the standards he has set,” said Kohli, concluding his tribute to Taufel.

Simon Taufel, announcing his decision, said: “Following the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012, I’m moving on from active international umpiring for personal and professional reasons. My wife and children have supported me immensely throughout my career and it is time for me to spend more time with them.

“My passion for cricket umpiring and personal professional development has shifted from on the field to off the field. In my new position as ICC Umpire Performance and Training Manager, I look forward to help create professional programs and resources to support the current and future generations of cricket match officials.  “The new role includes working closely with the National Cricket Federations which is really exciting as is continuing to work with the entire cricket community in helping the development of our cricket umpires.”  Simon Taufel also thanked for the support he received during his illustrious career. “I’d particularly like to acknowledge and sincerely thank my family, all the umpires and referees that I’ve worked with, the NSWCU&SA (New South Wales Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association), Cricket Australia, the ICC staff, my coaches and friends for their support and sacrifice.

“What we have achieved together over a long period of time has been very rewarding and satisfying. It’s been a great journey, but the time is right to take a new path and I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity of assisting the next umpiring generation.  “Finally, my personal thanks and appreciation goes to all the players, coaches, scorers, support staff, media and administrators I have worked with, and who have contributed to many good moments and memories,” he added.