Top 5 umpires of modern era ft. Simon Taufel, Aleem Dar
Umpires play a hugely significant role in a cricket match. There are two umpires on the field, and a third umpire, who gives decisions by watching TV replays. Additionally, there is a match referee, who oversees the conduct in the game.
On-field umpires have some important duties, including deciding whether a batter is dismissed caught out or LBW. Sometimes, on-field umpires also make the decision for run-outs and stumpings. If they are unsure, they refer to the TV umpires, who make the decision.
In the modern era of cricket, the TV umpire takes care of no-balls, but the decision to call a wide is still in the hands of the on-field umpire. A wrong decision by the on-field official can alter the course of a match.
All umpires have to clear an exam to become a member of the ICC Elite panel. Although exact data about the percentage of correct decisions by umpires isn't available, here's a list of the top five umpires of the modern era in cricket.
#5 Aleem Dar
Aleem Dar is a former Pakistan domestic level player, who has made a name for himself as an umpire. While he never got the chance to play international cricket for Pakistan, Dar stood in 145 Tests, 231 ODIs and 72 T20Is as an umpire.
Dar became the first Pakistani to join the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2004. Besides, he has also stood in five women's T20I matches and won the Umpire of the Year award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
#4 Kumar Dharmasena
Unlike Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena played international cricket for his country. In fact, he had a lengthy career as a Sri Lankan cricketer, playing in 31 Tests and 141 ODI matches.
The former Sri Lankan all-rounder started his journey as an international umpire in 2008, becoming the youngest man from his country to officiate an international game. Dharmasena has received the honor to officiate the 2019 World Cup Final, and he is a two-time winner of the Umpire of the Year award.
#3 Marais Erasmus
Former South African domestic cricketer Marais Erasmus never made it to his country's national squad, but has enjoyed a successful career as a match official.
Erasmus has stood in 82 Tests, 124 ODIs, 43 T20Is as well as 18 women's T20I matches. He has won the Umpire of the Year award thrice in his career, with the latest one being in 2021.
#2 Richard Illingworth
Richard Illingworth is probably the best umpire of the current era. He won the Umpire of the Year award in2019, 2022, and 2023.
Illingworth has the experience of umpiring in 70 Tests, 90 ODIs and 35 T20Is. The English umpire's accurate decision-making has impressed many fans in the cricket universe.
#1 Simon Taufel
It goes without saying that Simon Taufel is the greatest umpire in cricket history. The former Australian umpire is a five-time winner of the Umpire of the Award winner, having received the honor every year from 2004 to 2008.
Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin labeled him as the best umpire and invited him for a chat on YouTube in 2020.