Chris Broad: Officiating His 350th Men’s ODI as Match Referee
Celebrate Chris Broad’s achievement as he officiates his 350th men’s ODI as a match referee. Explore his remarkable journey from cricketer to referee.
Former England cricketer Chris Broad is set to achieve a remarkable milestone in his career. As a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, he will officiate his 350th men’s One-day International (ODI) when he takes charge of the first match of the series between England and New Zealand in Cardiff on Friday.
A Legendary Cricketer Turned Respected Match Referee
Chris Broad’s journey in the world of cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. Before becoming a renowned match referee, he was a prolific England opening batter who left an indelible mark on the sport. Broad’s batting prowess is evident from his impressive records: he scored 1,661 runs in 25 Tests and 1,361 runs in 34 ODIs.
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One of the defining moments of his cricketing career was during the Ashes series of 1986-87 when he achieved the rare feat of scoring centuries in three consecutive matches. His remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure made him a celebrated figure in English cricket.
Joining an Exclusive Club
Broad’s achievement as a match referee is a testament to his dedication and expertise in cricket. He becomes only the second match referee to reach the remarkable milestone of officiating in 350 ODIs, following in the footsteps of Ranjan Madugalle of Sri Lanka. This achievement cements his place in cricketing history and underscores his invaluable contribution to the game.
Congratulations from the Cricketing Community
Sean Easey, the ICC Manager of Umpires and Referees, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chris Broad on reaching this significant milestone. He acknowledged Broad’s seniority within the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and highlighted his extensive experience in officiating high-profile series around the world.
Easey emphasized Broad’s resilience and the wealth of cricketing knowledge he has accumulated over the years. His journey from being a distinguished cricketer to a respected match referee has been an inspiring one.
A Glance at Broad’s Career
Chris Broad became a member of the ICC Elite Panel in 2003, marking the beginning of his illustrious career as a match referee. His debut as a match referee in men’s ODIs occurred in 2004, and since then, he has been a fixture in international cricket.
Broad’s role as a match referee has extended to prestigious tournaments such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. He has also been a part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, 2009, 2016, and 2022. His diverse experience includes officiating in 120 Tests, 131 Men’s T20Is, and 15 Women’s T20Is.
One of the highlights of his career as a match referee was overseeing the Final of the 2021 ICC World Test Championship, a historic clash between India and New Zealand that took place in England.