Cricket West Indies has congratulated Jamaican umpire Christopher Taylor on his appointment to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) International Panel of Umpires, effective April 1, 2026.
Taylor earned his promotion by being the most recent CWI official to successfully complete the ICC umpire accreditation process. Earlier this year, the 45-year-old benefitted from valuable international exposure through the ICC Umpire Exchange Programme, officiating in Pakistan’s President’s Trophy Grade 1 competition, where his performance was rated as outstanding.
Speaking on his promotion, Taylor expressed both gratitude and pride in the journey that has brought him to this point.
“I’m humbled and honoured. I’ve been an official now for 20 years because in 2006 is when I did my initial local examination alongside Jacqueline Williams, who is now an established and respected International Women’s Umpire.
“I remember starting when I was still in the corporate world and being introduced to the role by former first-class umpire Maurice Chung, and from there it has grown into something I truly love,” Taylor said.
He added that the road to this achievement required persistence and sacrifice.
“I’ve been on the regional second-tier panel from 2011, so it’s been a long and tough journey, but those tough times prepare you for what’s to come. So, I’m excited about it and looking forward to experiencing new things and putting all the work into practice,” he said.
Taylor also used the moment to highlight the often-overlooked path of officiating and to encourage aspiring umpires across the region.
“Umpiring might not be seen as a glorious position because when persons are exposed to a sport it’s usually in the capacity of a player and not an official. In any sport officiating is always tough… but that builds character”, Taylor said.
“There is opportunity in umpiring. It’s now a full career that you can dedicate yourself to, and I’d love to see younger persons getting into it, not only when they get into their 30s and 40s but even thinking of it as an option when they’re 18 or 20 years old or coming out of university.”
CWI CEO, Chris Dehring, commended Taylor’s achievement, noting that his promotion is a proud moment for the region.
“Chris’ appointment reflects not only his personal commitment and professionalism, but also the strength of our officiating pathway.
“His recent international exposure and consistent performances have prepared him well for this step, and we are confident he will represent West Indies cricket with distinction,” Dehring said.
Taylor will commence the next phase of his officiating career by making his first appearance as an international umpire during the upcoming West Indies international home season.
(PR)
