Gray reaches top

ISLAND official Martin Gray (pictured) has been selected for the ICC European Elite Panel of Umpires.

The 49-year-old will now be able to officiate top level ICC European and global fixtures and tournaments, such as ICC European Division One, the ICC U19 World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the higher levels of World Cricket League and even official one-day internationals.

'It's fantastic news, all the commitment and hard work since my first ICC tournament in 2006 has paid off,' he said.

'Umpiring with the best umpires in Europe – and some who have reached ODI status – is a great opportunity and one which I am extremely grateful for.'

The European Elite panel consists of 10 umpires, three of whom are also on the Associate and Affiliate International Panel, which serves as the pinnacle for umpires from non-Test playing countries.

Gray, who by day is a carpenter, had 29 days off island during 2009 on ICC appointments and seven days in Guernsey for World Cricket League Division Seven.

'It does involve a commitment time-wise and a financial cost as far as work time lost, but it is worth every penny,' he said.