Bidding Adieu to Ian ‘Gunner’ Gould: The Umpiring Legend!

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2029
Farewell Big Man! Credits: ICC Cricket World Cup
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India’s last match in the ICC World Cup 2019 league stage saw not one but two retirements. Other than the legendary Slinga Malinga, Ian Gould was another man who hung his boots. The Englishman who has umpired in 74 Tests and 140 ODIs raised his finger for the last game in India vs Sri Lanka match. 

Umpiring in his fourth World Cup, Ian ‘Gunner’ Gould was an accomplished wicket-keeper who retired as a cricketer in the 1990s and took up the role of a coach with Middlesex. In his career spanning over 600 List A and first-class games, Ian played for Middlesex, Sussex and even New Zealand. He has also featured in the 1983 World Cup. However, he will be fondly remembered as one of the most loved umpires. 

The 61 YO made his umpiring debut 13 years ago in a T20 match between Sri Lanka and England. His 50-Over debut happened 5 days later when both these teams faced off in an ODI series. Two years later, he made his test debut. Within a year of his debut, he was picked in the panel of umpires who were chosen to umpire in World Cup. He became an Elite member of ICC’s Umpires’ Panel when he umpired in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy. Interestingly, he has also served as the Chairman of English football club Burnham FC. He had announced in April 2019 that he would retire from international cricket umpiring after his gig at the Cricket World Cup 2019 ends. He will always be remembered as one of the finest umpires world cricket has seen over the years.

The popular personality, both on and off-field, was always heard whistling during the game. World Cup debutant Rishabh Pant was the last batsman whom he gave out. After the end of the match, both Indian & Sri Lankan players were seen congratulating the English legend on his illustrious career.

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