ST. JOHN'S, Antigua-The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have agreed to an umpires’ exchange programme for 2010 which will see more international exposure for match officials from the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

The International Umpires’ Exchange Programme is designed to allow umpires from full member countries get the opportunity to stand in first-class and top-level tournaments away from home.This is the second year for the International Umpires Exchange Programme between the ECB and the WICB.

English first-class umpire Robert Bailey will officiate in three rounds of the WICB’s four-day first-class competition in January. In exchange, an umpire from the West Indies is expected to travel to England in the summer of 2010 to officiate in the English County season.

The WICB’s appointment for 2010 will be made at a later date.

During 2009 the WICB and the ECB had a similar programme with Richard Kettleborough from England officiating in the WICB four-day season, while Peter Nero from Trinidad and Tobago officiated in the English County season.

The WICB’s Cricket Operations Department outlined that negotiations are also underway to have another full member join the programme, thereby providing umpires in the Caribbean with an even greater opportunity to broaden their experience in foreign conditions and establish a network with first-class umpires and officials from around the cricket world.

The exchange programme is an important step in the Umpires’ Development Pathway, as regional umpires look to broaden their on-field experience in foreign conditions, as well as gain an appreciation for the cultural differences which exist among the playing nations.

It is a clear demonstration of the WICB’s intent to develop all aspects of cricket in the West Indies.

The WICB four-day first-class season bowls off on January 8 and will feature seven rounds of matches being played in major venues across the region. There are several new initiatives including day/night matches with pink balls – with four matches being played under lights.