This is the first time ICC world cricket league is being held in Asia. Host Singapore, Botswana, Norway, Malaysia, Bahrain and Guernsey are participating in the tournament. Bahrain and Guernsey are two teams that got promoted from Division 7 match played in May. Top two teams from Singapore will participate in the Division 5 tournament to be held in Kathmandu in January 2010.
Binaya Jha confirmed the decision of Nepali umpires selection in the Division 6 tournament. Jha said, “ICC selected Nepali umpires as per Asian Cricket Council´s recommendation,” further adding, “ACC was always confident about our capabilities, now we have to prove ICC that we are capable.”
Along with Jha, Buddhi Bahadur Pradhan and Manohar Adhikari are ICC-affiliated associate Asia Panel umpires. Pradhan, who is also ICC-affiliated International panel umpire, has umpired 13 one-day international matches. But Jha and Gurung will be umpiring for the first time for ICC-affiliated matches.
Pradhan is ACC tournament´s main umpire while Jha debuted in international umpiring in ACC level in 2002. Meanwhile, Gurung started ACC level umpiring this year from the ACC U-17 Elite Cup cricket tournament held in Kathmandu. “This is an historic day for me.” Gurung told Republica, after learning about his selection. “ Now my aim will be to enter ICC Associate panel.”
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