India and South Africa start umpire exchange programmes

The Indian and South African boards have organised an umpires' exchange programme between the two countries. Two umpires from India will officiate two first-class matches in South Africa's domestic competition in 2008-09 while two South African umpires will stand in Duleep Trophy games in India.

In May this year, the BCCI decided to infuse young blood into its team of umpires to improve the standard of umpiring. The board asked state associations to nominate four candidates each, including at least two former first-class players, to appear for an examination.

Last year the BCCI appointed 13 coaches for umpires and gave them the responsibility of monitoring standards in the country. India have not been represented on the ICC's Elite panel of umpires since S Venkatraghavan retired in 2004. South Africa have had Rudi Koertzen in the panel since 2002.