ISSUE
Friday, August 22, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 73
All awards for the club league umpiring were bagged by a trio from the sub-continent. The three umpires, Raj Dawson (India), Jayath Batuwangala (Sri Lanka), and Akshay Sureka (India) were the recipients of the Club Umpire of the year, Most days umpired and Novice Umpire of the year awards respectively.
At the Club Cricket Awards evening, held in Auckland, on 15th April; every year top clubs, players and umpires are presented with trophies and cups. This year all 3 trophies for Umpires were won by sub-continent officials.
The winning umpires were selected from the points awarded by captains of the teams they officiate through out the season. Auckland Cricket's umpiring manager collects the reports and tally's the score.
Speaking to Indian Weekender Raj Dawson said it is just a co-incidence, and must not be mistaken as a dying interest in the sport here in New Zealand.
“No - it is just a coincidence that the 3 umpires were from the sub-continent.”
“In the past out of about 30 active umpires, there used to be about 3-4 umpires from the sub-continent in top club panels. These numbers are increasing. Of course, the sub-continental umpires have traditionally been strong in the knowledge of the laws. But, the interest and numbers amongst Kiwis is very strong and they form the bulk of the officials.”
“The tournament was more fiercely contested, as ever, this year,” Dawson said. This season was very enjoyable, the club season starts in October and ends in March and we had a great summer with minimal weather disruptions, this time around.”
“It feels good to be recognised and appreciated by the players. I have had similar seasons before but not close enough to win the 'Greg Carr Trophy', “ Dawson added.
Auckland Cricket association has a 125 year history but is firmly looking forward to take the game in Auckland to new areas and new markets.
Raj Dawson, is presently head of commerce at Southern Cross College in Mangere. Akshay Sureka who won the 'Novice Umpire of the year' is a management consultant with KPMG Ltd and Jayath Batuwangala who won the trophy for "Most days umpired' is an Engineer with KiwiRail Ltd.
All awards for the club league umpiring were bagged by a trio from the sub-continent. The three umpires, Raj Dawson (India), Jayath Batuwangala (Sri Lanka), and Akshay Sureka (India) were the recipients of the Club Umpire of the year, Most days umpired and Novice Umpire of the year awards...
All awards for the club league umpiring were bagged by a trio from the sub-continent. The three umpires, Raj Dawson (India), Jayath Batuwangala (Sri Lanka), and Akshay Sureka (India) were the recipients of the Club Umpire of the year, Most days umpired and Novice Umpire of the year awards respectively.
At the Club Cricket Awards evening, held in Auckland, on 15th April; every year top clubs, players and umpires are presented with trophies and cups. This year all 3 trophies for Umpires were won by sub-continent officials.
The winning umpires were selected from the points awarded by captains of the teams they officiate through out the season. Auckland Cricket's umpiring manager collects the reports and tally's the score.
Speaking to Indian Weekender Raj Dawson said it is just a co-incidence, and must not be mistaken as a dying interest in the sport here in New Zealand.
“No - it is just a coincidence that the 3 umpires were from the sub-continent.”
“In the past out of about 30 active umpires, there used to be about 3-4 umpires from the sub-continent in top club panels. These numbers are increasing. Of course, the sub-continental umpires have traditionally been strong in the knowledge of the laws. But, the interest and numbers amongst Kiwis is very strong and they form the bulk of the officials.”
“The tournament was more fiercely contested, as ever, this year,” Dawson said. This season was very enjoyable, the club season starts in October and ends in March and we had a great summer with minimal weather disruptions, this time around.”
“It feels good to be recognised and appreciated by the players. I have had similar seasons before but not close enough to win the 'Greg Carr Trophy', “ Dawson added.
Auckland Cricket association has a 125 year history but is firmly looking forward to take the game in Auckland to new areas and new markets.
Raj Dawson, is presently head of commerce at Southern Cross College in Mangere. Akshay Sureka who won the 'Novice Umpire of the year' is a management consultant with KPMG Ltd and Jayath Batuwangala who won the trophy for "Most days umpired' is an Engineer with KiwiRail Ltd.
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