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Umpire Robinson steps down from ICC elite panel

September 18, 2008 18:33 IST

Zimbabwe umpire Ian Robinson on Thursday stepped down from the ICC's elite panel to take up the new job of ICC Regional Umpires' Performance Manager 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. 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," said Robinson, a veteran of 28 Tests and 90 ODIs.

Robinson started his umpiring career in 1975 after a recurring back injury prematurely cut short his playing career.

Robinson has officiated in three consecutive World Cups (1992, 1996 and 1999) and has been a member of Zimbabwe's first-class panel for a record-breaking 31 seasons.

"Ian has given a huge part of his life to cricket and, in particular, to umpiring the game. He is an enormously popular figure within cricket and an excellent umpire so his on-field influence will be missed by players, spectators and other match officials," ICC's Umpires' and Referees' Manager Vince van der Bijl said while paying his tribute to Robinson.

"It is great, though, that Ian will still be heavily involved in the game and I have no doubt that his knowledge and enthusiasm will help to develop and nurture the next

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