Cloete promoted to ICC TV Umpire Panel

First-class umpire Johan Cloete has been promoted by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to the ICC's TV Umpire Panel as reward for consistency in domestic cricket. Cloete, who was nominated as one of the umpires of the year at the SA Cricket Awards, will replace Ian Howell.

"It feels good to be acknowledged for the hard work I have put in and I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Cloete, who made his first-class debut in 1993.

CSA has also introduced a new initiative to go with the national first-class umpires panel, the emerging umpires panel as well as the match referees panel for the forthcoming season - the pilot panel. CSA has restructured its match officials panels to meet the demands of the increased volume of matches, which will see more umpires on rotation.

"It has been encouraging to see the number of young umpires coming through the system, especially previously disadvantaged ones," said Cloete. "The pilot panel will help to give the less experienced umpires motivation and incentive. We work hard to develop and train the youngsters coming through which proves that umpiring is not only for old men."

Marais Erasmus and Brian Jerling retain their positions on the ICC international panel. Adrian Holdstock and Brad White have been promoted to the national first-class panel.

First-class panel: Murray Brown, Johan Cloete, Marais Erasmus, Shaun George, Earl Hendrikse, Adrian Holdstock, Ian Howell, Karl Hurter, Brian Jerling, Rudi Koertzen, Zed Ndamane, Gerrie Pienaar, Dennis Smith, Brad White.

Emerging panel: Rudi Birkenstock, Christo Conradie, Adri Crafford, Roderick Ellis, Lourens Engelbrecht, Babalo Gcuma, Bernard Harrison, Clifford Isaacs, Clive Joubert, Irvin van Kerwel, Wessie Westraadt, Laurence Willemse.

Pilot panel: Jurgen Hanekom, Bongani Jele, Jack Morton, Allahudien Paleker.

Referees panel: Tiffie Barnes, Devdas Govindjee, Barry Lambson, Enver Mall, Cyril Mitchley, Shahid Wadvalla.