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CHENNAI, India – History was made today when Ireland’s Roly Black became the first Irish umpire to stand in a T20 World Cup match.

Having previously appeared as fourth umpire in two matches in the tournament, today sees Roly Black step onto the field for the first time at this prestigious level.

Black made his on-field debut in the UAE versus New Zealand clash in Chennai, India, in what will be the first of three matches he will stand in at this event. Speaking before the tournament, Roly spoke about how he hopes to forge a path for other umpires to follow. “From an umpiring perspective, I see it as my responsibility for the next couple of years to try and open new doors, to try and raise the bar as far as what can be achieved for Irish umpires.”

This accomplishment by Black is just the latest achievement by an Irish umpire. In January, Johnny Kennedy was on the umpiring panel for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, while Aiden Seaver plied his trade at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in Nepal.

Cricket Ireland Match Officials Manager Phil Thompson was delighted to see today’s historic achievement. He said: “Breaking the news to Roly that he was going to the World Cup was one of the best things I have ever had the pleasure of doing in my time in the sport.

“It still feels surreal, and waking up today felt a bit like Christmas morning. This now shows what can be achieved with hard work and determination – our pathways can take you right to the top if you want it. I cannot wait to see what doors this achievement will open for Irish match officials moving forward.”

Acknowledging that it takes a village, Black said before the tournament that it was the support of those around him that made this day possible. In particular, he paid tribute to the late Paul Reynolds and his contribution to umpiring in Ireland. “I still think about Paul nearly every day in life, and I know he would be proud of this news. He’ll be looking down, and whenever I step over that rope for the first time, Paul will be very much firmly in my thoughts.”