How the BCCI-CA Umpire Exchange Program Is Elevating Elite Domestic Officiating

As part of a landmark bilateral initiative between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia (CA), elite domestic match officials are crossing borders to adapt to foreign playing conditions. The Umpire Exchange Program aims to expose elite umpires to unfamiliar pitch types and diverse match-day environments.

Under this initiative, Indian umpire Parashar Joshi will travel to Australia this November, while Australian official Ben Treloar has touched down in India to officiate in the Ranji Trophy.

Treloar, who serves as the Umpire Education Officer for Cricket New South Wales (CNSW) and is a four-time recipient of the George Borwick Memorial Award, recently stood in his first assignment, a high-scoring encounter between Delhi and Gujarat from 18-21 October at the Airforce Complex Ground, Palam II, in New Delhi.

Treloar has officiated 30 First-Class matches, 20 List

Treloar has officiated 30 First-Class matches, 20 List A games, 39 Big Bash League (BBL) fixtures, two Women’s ODIs and four T20Is, and welcomed the test of the subcontinent.

“To come into a new environment, one that’s foreign to me, and umpire this high level of cricket — first-class cricket here in India — it’s been challenging but a lot of fun as well. The great thing about this opportunity is being able to learn, being put under pressure in different, foreign conditions, and just learning more about yourself, the game, and umpiring,” said Treloar.

For an Australian umpire accustomed to the pace of the Sheffield Shield, the 22 yards in New Delhi presented a distinct tactical contrast.

The main difference for me this week has

“The main difference for me this week has been the type of pitch that we played on. It is not often that we find flat, docile pitches in Australia at the big venues. In recent times, there has been quite a bit of moisture, grass, and significant bounce on the pitches at the big stadiums around Australia.”

At Palam II, he encountered a much different surface. “And then to come and umpire on this black soil pitch this week, where it does just keep a little bit lower, a little bit slower as the game moves on, it didn’t break up at all… that was a really good challenge this week,” he explained.

The physical demands of umpiring also shifted. “And standing at one end as well for four days and only having four overs at the other end — that was different conditions, ’cause normally in Australia we’re changing ends within the first couple of days of the match starting,” he added.

Witnessing massive first-innings totals, Treloar emphasised the required

Witnessing massive first-innings totals, Treloar emphasised the required concentration: “It was the first time I have umpired an innings where a team scored 650. That is a challenge in itself. Then the team batting second, Gujarat, followed that up with another 460 or 480 score. It might be flat, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I am just grateful that I can be part of it and learn from it.”

The Indian climate, though, was not a big challenge for him. “It seemed like the weather was just perfect for cricket, 30 or 31 degrees with a light breeze. These conditions were very similar to what we have at home, so I really enjoyed it.”

A core objective of placing an overseas official at the heart of India’s premier multi-day tournament is to expose them to high-quality spin bowling on turning tracks.

We had quite a fair bit of spin

“We had quite a fair bit of spin this week, probably more in the second innings with Delhi bowling, and it was a real challenge. The spinners here are incredibly gifted and skilled. They have honed their art and are very accurate. The spinners are skilled in Australia too, but we generally see a lot more quick bowlers there, which is conducive to the Australian conditions where pitches are a bit more bouncy and have more pace, bringing spinners into the game a little later.”

Treloar’s next assignment takes him to Mumbai, where he will officiate the clash between Mumbai and Haryana from 26-29 October.

“I was really looking forward to experiencing and being put under pressure by the spinners here in India. No doubt, when we go to Mumbai for the next round, we will probably get even more spinners with the red soil, offering a bit more bounce and turn. That is another challenge I am really looking forward to.”

Speaking about the significance of the Umpire Exchange

Speaking about the significance of the Umpire Exchange Program, Treloar added, “For me, and the umpires in Australia, having this opportunity is massive. It is something that all of our umpires strive to be involved with. When I was invited onto the panel with Cricket Australia, knowing this exchange program was available was something I was striving to be considered for since I started. When that phone call came through offering me the chance to come to India, it meant an incredible amount to me to be invited to come across, learn, and experience these conditions.”

“Similarly, I umpired with Abhijeet Bengeri last year when he was part of the exchange program in Australia. I was lucky enough to umpire with him in Perth at the WACA, where you get pace and bounce. For him to experience that, and then go to the Gabba for his second game, allowed him to take away an incredible amount of experience. Working with the local umpires presents language challenges, but when Abhijeet came to Australia, he performed incredibly well. The umpires and players still talk about how well he fit in and performed during that exchange last year. For us, it is an incredible opportunity and one that I am very grateful to be a part of.”

Even with over two decades of experience, stepping onto a Ranji Trophy field brought an adrenaline rush.

I definitely had some nerves, but they

“I definitely had some nerves, but they were good nerves — anticipation and looking forward to the week. Once you get that first over under your belt, you are just into another game of cricket, giving it your best every ball and trying to make the game as fair as you can for all the players involved.”

“I was very fortunate we had a great Playing Control Team (PCT) this week with the match referee and the umpires. They were so welcoming; it didn’t feel any different from any other PCTs I have worked with in Australia. It made for a seamless transition into First-Class cricket here in India.”

For Treloar, taking the field in India is the culmination of a 21-year officiating journey. He also cherishes the on-field banter, using it to subtly recruit future umpires. “When we finish talking about the laws, I’ll say, ‘You know what? You’re going to make a good umpire one day.’ I am always planting the seed with the players because you never know who might want to take up umpiring once they finish playing and retire.”

Off the field, Treloar wasted no time immersing himself in Delhi’s culture and food. “I visited a couple of local restaurants and got to the markets as well, where I bought some spices. I love cooking Indian food back in Australia, so I’m looking forward to taking them home. The food here is just amazing; I think I’ve already put on a little weight! I can’t speak highly enough of the cuisine here in Delhi, and no doubt it will be similar in Mumbai.”