NSW’s Paul Wilson, one of Australia’s most respected and long-serving umpires, has announced his retirement from the Cricket Australia National Umpires Panel at the conclusion of the current Australian season.
He’s out! Wilson Calls Time
Fellow veteran umpire, Queensland’s Bruce Oxenford, has also indicated he is set to retire.
The Marsh Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA Ground, March 1-4, will be Wilson and Oxenford’s final engagement.
Wilson, who played Test and ODI cricket before turning to officiating, spent 11 years on the ICC International Panel and officiated in eight Tests, 43 ODIs and 26 T20 Internationals.
Affectionately known as ‘Blocker’, Wilson’s 62 first class matches included four Sheffield Shield finals and 61 List A matches. He was also a popular figure in the BBL standing in 88 matches including five finals.
Oxenford, a veteran of 62 Tests and 97 ODIs, spent 13 years on the ICC Elite Panel before returning to finish his illustrious career on the Cricket Australia National Umpiring Panel.
He has officiated in 75 first-class matches including two Sheffield Shield finals, 50 List A matches and 43 BBL games, including two finals.
Wilson will continue to umpire internationally in various franchise tournaments.
Paul Wilson said:
"I am forever grateful to Cricket Australia for signing me to the Project Panel, following in the footsteps of Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker. This profession has enabled me to travel the world, be a part of some amazing cricket matches and make lifelong friends along the way.
“Officiating is what we do but not who we are. My wife, Sally, has been an incredible support to me and a pillar of strength for our young family particularly when we spend long periods away from home. I now look forward to spending more time with my crew and begin writing the next chapter in our story!"
"I'm truly honoured to be able to spend my last First-Class match with Ox (Oxenford).”
Darren Goodger, CNSW Head of Competitions & Officiating said:
“We offer congratulations to Paul on an excellent international umpiring career.
“Paul has been an exemplary ambassador for NSWCUSA, Cricket NSW and for Australian Umpiring.
“He is a person, umpire and leader of the highest quality and integrity, so respected by his colleagues for his ability, humility, composure, common sense, willingness to share experience, honesty and teamwork, Paul Wilson may be proud of his international umpiring career.
“We wish Paul the very best in his future endeavours in life and in cricket.
Paul Wilson Umpiring Snapshot
- 8 Test Matches
5 Test Matches as TV Umpire - 43 One Day Internationals (2019 & 2023 ICC World Cups)
18 ODIs as TV Umpire - 26 T20 Internationals (2021 & 2022 ICC World Cups)
14 T20Is as TV Umpire - 62 First-Class Matches (4 Sheffield Shield Finals)
- 61 List-A Matches (3 One Day Cup Finals)
- 88 Big Bash Matches (5 BBL Finals)
39 Big Bash Matches as TV Umpire - 1 Women’s Test Match
- 8 Women’s One Day Internationals (2017 & 2022 ICC World Cups)
- 1 Women’s T20 International