Overview
Nitin Menon is an Indian cricket umpire from Madhya Pradesh. He is one of the youngest officials to be inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires, having been added to the panel in 2020. He is the third Indian, after Srinivas Venkataraghavan and Sundaram Ravi, to officiate on the ICC's top umpiring panel.
Key facts
| Full name | Nitin Narendra Menon |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Home state | Madhya Pradesh |
| Profession | Cricket umpire |
| Notable role | Member, ICC Elite Panel of Umpires (from 2020) |
| Father | Narendra Menon, former first-class cricketer |
Background
Nitin Menon was born into a cricketing family in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. His father, Narendra Menon, played first-class cricket for Madhya Pradesh. Nitin himself played limited-overs cricket at the domestic level before transitioning to umpiring at a relatively young age.
Career
Domestic umpiring
Menon began officiating in domestic matches under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He stood in matches in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic competitions, and was inducted into the BCCI's panel of umpires. He has also been a regular umpire in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
International umpiring
Menon was elevated to the ICC International Panel of Umpires and Referees, officiating in Twenty20 Internationals and One Day Internationals before progressing to Test matches. He stood in his first ODI and subsequently his first Test, gaining recognition for his composed decision-making and accuracy with the Decision Review System.
ICC Elite Panel
In June 2020, Menon was promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, replacing Nigel Llong. At the time of his appointment, he was among the youngest umpires ever to join the panel. He has continued to be reappointed to the panel in subsequent annual cycles, officiating in Test matches, ODIs and ICC global events.
Significance
Menon's elevation marked the return of Indian representation on the ICC Elite Panel after Sundaram Ravi was dropped in 2019. His appointment is considered a milestone for Indian umpiring, which has historically been under-represented at the elite level despite India's prominence as a cricketing nation. His career is often cited as encouragement for younger Indian umpires pursuing international careers.
Related topics
- ICC Elite Panel of Umpires
- Board of Control for Cricket in India
- Srinivas Venkataraghavan
- Sundaram Ravi
- Madhya Pradesh cricket team
- Indian Premier League
References
- Wikidata entry: Q7041306
- International Cricket Council, official announcements on Elite Panel composition
- Board of Control for Cricket in India, umpires panel records