Editing Match referee

{{short description|Official appointed to oversee professional cricket matches}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2024}}

A '''match referee''' is an official appointed to oversee professional [[cricket]] matches. Match referees for [[Test cricket|Test matches]] and [[One Day International]]s are appointed by the [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC). Most matches below international level do not have a referee.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hegde |first1=Anurag |title=What is the role of a match referee in cricket? |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/what-is-the-role-of-a-match-referee-in-cricket |website=Sportskeeda |access-date=1 February 2024 |date=8 June 2021}}</ref>

The match referee's responsibility is to ensure that the [[ICC Cricket Code of Conduct]] is upheld during the game, to assess any breaches of the Code, and to hand out penalties for any breaches. Following every game, the match referee composes and submits a match report to the ICC, noting any events or actions by players or umpires that may be a concern in terms of the Code of Conduct or the [[Laws of Cricket]], and giving ratings to the quality of the [[cricket pitch|pitch]].

The match referee remains off the field of play at all times during the actual play of the game, observing events from a spectator area. The referee makes no decisions regarding play; such decisions are the sole responsibility of the appointed [[umpire (cricket)|umpire]]s.

Match referees are frequently former cricket players who have had distinguished careers on the field. Some notable match referees include 
[[Ranjan Madugalle]], [[Chris Broad (cricketer)|Chris Broad]], [[Jeff Crowe]], [[David Boon]] and [[Javagal Srinath]].

In recent years the law regarding [[throwing (cricket)|throwing]] - the unlawful delivery of the [[cricket ball]] by a [[bowler (cricket)|bowler]] because of straightening of the arm at the elbow - has been interpreted as the domain of the match referee and a system of reports to the ICC, rather than a matter for the umpires to decide as a [[no-ball]] at each incidence on the field. This de facto migration of responsibility has caused controversy, with some commentators claiming it has eroded the official support and authority owed to the umpires.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Cricket positions}}

[[Category:Cricket match referees| ]]
[[Category:Cricket laws and regulations]]
[[Category:Sports officiating]]

[[mr:सामनाधिकारी (क्रिकेट)]]