Richard Kettleborough of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires has been commended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for reaching a significant career milestone. On Tuesday, October 27, during the third Test between South Africa and Australia in Cape Town, Kettleborough officiated his 100th Test match.
The 53-year-old joins Aleem Dar (145 Tests), Steve Bucknor (128), Rudi Koertzen (108), and Rod Tucker (102) in becoming the fifth umpire to reach three figures.
“Celebrating Richard Kettleborough’s remarkable career and reaching 100 Test matches as an on-field umpire is an incredible accomplishment. ICC Chairman Jay Shah stated, “Being only the fifth umpire to achieve this milestone speaks volumes about his consistency, professionalism, and enduring contribution to the game.”
“Richard’s sound judgment, poise under duress, and unwavering dedication to the highest standards of umpiring have earned him the respect and admiration of players and other officials. We thank him for his exceptional service to international cricket and congratulate him on this incredible milestone.
Richard Kettleborough also thought back on his voyage
“I am appreciative of my colleagues on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and Referees for their friendship and encouragement, and to the ICC and ECB for their ongoing support.”
“To my children Millie, Jack, and Alfie, as well as other loved ones, I wish you could all be here. To my dad and aunt, who are sadly no longer with us, I know how proud you would have been.” I hope to see you all soon and have many more fulfilling years in the game because this milestone is equally yours and mine.
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Richard Kettleborough officiated his first Test match between Sri Lanka and the West Indies in Galle in November 2010 after making his international umpiring debut in a Twenty20 International between England and Australia at Old Trafford in 2009. In addition, he has participated in four women’s ODIs, four women’s T20Is, 114 ODIs, and 46 T20Is.
Before being appointed to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) panel of umpires in 2006, Kettleborough participated in 33 first-class matches for Yorkshire and Middlesex in the English County Championship between 1994 and 1999. In May 2011, Kettleborough was named as the youngest member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
Global ICC events that Richard Kettleborough has officiated in
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup – 2011, 2015 (including final), 2019, 2023 (including final)
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – 2012, 2014 (including final), 2016, 2021 (including final), 2022, 2024 (final as TV umpire), 2026
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy – 2013, 2017 (including final), 2025
ICC World Test Championship Final – 2021 and 2023 (as TV umpire on both occasions).
