Taufel calls for greater accountability from umpires

MELBOURNE, June 21: Simon Taufel, voted Umpire of the Year, has called for greater accountability from his colleagues and under-performing umpires to be axed from the ICC Elite Panel.
The Australian said if umpires made several incorrect decisions in a Test or through a series they should not be retained in the Elite panel.
"We have now reached that point of reference where if match officials are being paid adequately, there needs to be greater accountability for performance and non-performance," Taufel said.
"We have reached the stage that if umpires aren't performing to acceptable standards, they are not appointed for a period. Most people are happy to see that happen," he added.
Taufel is the umpires' representative on the ICC cricket committee, which has made several recommendations to be considered by the ICC.
The umpires are keen for a task force, with an independent chairman, to be set up to discuss how to improve umpiring standards.