MCL 2016: Roshan Mahanama to head officials; Steve Davis to head umpires

Master’s Champions League (MCL) 2016 is a Twenty20 tournament for retired players and legends from all countries in the World. ICC has announced that it is not only the top retired players playing the MCL but the officials are going to be top retired officiators of cricket.

Roshan Mahanama who was a former member of the Elite Panel of ICC referees who recently retired is set to be the match referee for MCL. Mahanama who was a former Sri Lankan cricketer and captain was part of the ICC from 2004 to 2015. He officiated in 61 Tests, 222 ODIs and 35 Twenty20 Internationals and earned a lot of respect as a referee. The other match official is Jeremy Lloyds. Lloyds has officiated in five Tests, 18 ODIs and one Twenty20 Internationals.

Steve Davis who was formerly part of the Elite Panel of the ICC Umpires will be heading the on-field umpires. Steve Davis, who also retired last year, has umpired in 57 Tests, 137 ODIs and 26 Twenty20 Internationals. He’ll be supported by Peter Hartley, Billy Taylor and Graham Lloyd. Graham Lloyd is the son of former cricketer David Lloyd.

The fourth umpire duties will be done by the local umpires Sachin Solanki and Iftikhar Ali. The CEO of Oxigen MCL 2016 Zarah said in an interview, “The match officials for the inaugural edition of the Oxigen MCL features a brilliant set of experienced men. We are certain to witness umpiring and refereeing of world-class standards.”

Oxigen MCL 2016 is slated to take place between 28^th January and 13^th February. The inaugural edition of the tournament will take place in the United Arab Emirates in international stadiums like Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The first match on 28^th January is between Sourav Ganguly led- Libra Legends and Virender Sehwag led- Gemini Arabians.