Kenya is going to host the first edition of Africa T20 Cup finals, what a time to celebrate the wonderful achievement of Subhash Modi, completed 40 years umpiring.
His achievements as an umpire are exceptional. He represented International Cricket Council (ICC) Umpires Panel for Affiliates and Associates from 2006 to 2010 when he retired and then became the Regional Match Referee for ICC Africa Region. Subhash has umpired in East Africa, England, Scotland, South Africa, Ireland, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, India, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Kenya Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association honored him with the Green and Gold Badges and later on with Life Membership. Manish Rughani, Secretary General of Lohana Sports and Cultural Festival honored Subhash with the First Ever Festival Life Time Achievement Award for his" outstanding contributions to Sports" during the 32nd Lohana Sports and Cultural Festival in Dar es Salaam in 2012.
On his accomplishment, Subhash respond to ACA
"The journey of thousand miles starts with a single step and I have also enjoyed my successful and joyful umpiring journey of 40 years with total satisfaction. There has never been a dull moment. It has been great being in the company of World's Best Match Referees, Cricket Umpires, Officials and administrators.
I would also like to see our Kenya Umpires and Scorers get a lot of wonderful opportunities for their better tomorrow.
I am proud to represent our Country Kenya & Kenya Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association.
Finally, I have enjoyed supporting our Association and the noble game of cricket for unending number of years.
With appreciations to you all for the tremendous support in my Cricket Umpiring Career over the four decades. I have enjoyed my cricket umpiring, training, organizing seminars, Match Refereeing and also enjoyed playing cricket. I am looking forward to our new cricket season. "
Subhash Modi has a unique record of not only umpiring match involved his son, former Kenyan captain Hitesh Modi, but to give his son out LBW to Bangladesh bowler Mashrafe Mortaza. ICC Match Referee Vishwanath Gundapa congratulated Subash that this was the first time a father and son duo were featured in an official ODI match. This feat was repeated in two more ODIs, Kenya vs Bangladesh.
He has umpired 22 ODIs and nine T20 matches. Subhash is also a former Kenya National Cricket Selector. He has organized many cricket tours overseas, conducted umpires seminars and training to improve the standard of the umpires. Subhash Modi is still active in Umpiring and Match Refereeing in Kenya despite his knee injury last year when he was hit by the cricket ball during the Cricket Kenya Tournament.
Subhash is congratulated on the great occasion by cricket administrators, officials and players.
BLOGS @ AFRICA CRICKET