21 February – First Dedicated Women’s and U19 Umpiring Course
On 21 February, Cricket Switzerland achieved a significant milestone in its development pathway with the successful delivery of its first-ever umpiring course specifically dedicated to women and Under-19 participants.
This landmark initiative underscores Cricket Switzerland’s continued commitment to inclusivity, structured development, and the long-term strengthening of officiating standards within the country. By opening the umpiring pathway to women and young cricketers, the organization has taken an important step toward building a broader and more representative pool of match officials.
The course was delivered by experienced tutors Jay Singh, Mandar Sathe, Arvind Achal, and Vikrant Naik, who provided comprehensive instruction on the Laws of Cricket, match management, on-field positioning, decision-making processes, and professional conduct. Through interactive sessions and practical scenarios, participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical insight into the responsibilities of modern match officials.
A total of:
- 10 women umpires, and
- 6 U19 participants
successfully completed the course and are now eligible to officiate in the upcoming season.
The level of engagement, enthusiasm, and professionalism displayed throughout the program reflects the growing appetite for structured development opportunities within Swiss cricket. These newly qualified officials represent an important step forward in strengthening the officiating framework nationwide.
22 February – Introduction to Umpiring Course for Senior Men’s Clubs
Continuing the momentum, sFOCUS organized a second Introduction to Umpiring Course on 22 February, this time aimed at senior men’s club representatives.
The course attracted 16 participants, highlighting the increasing recognition among clubs of the need to expand and professionalize the umpiring base. The same experienced tutor team — Jay Singh, Mandar Sathe, Arvind Achal, and Vikrant Naik — led the sessions, ensuring consistency in standards and delivery.
To promote accessibility and ensure full participation, Malyar Stanikzai served as Pashto interpreter during the course. His support enabled non-English speaking participants to engage fully with the material, reinforcing Cricket Switzerland’s commitment to inclusion within its diverse cricket community.
All 16 participants successfully completed the introductory course, and it is anticipated that many will actively contribute to umpiring activities during the forthcoming season.
Strengthening the Future of Swiss Cricket
These two consecutive courses represent a strategic investment in the development of match officials across women’s, youth, and senior cricket. By expanding opportunities, improving education standards, and removing language barriers, Cricket Switzerland continues to enhance the professionalism, integrity, and sustainability of the game in Switzerland. Cricket in Switzerland is not only growing in numbers — it is evolving in structure, governance, and opportunity. The successful delivery of these umpiring courses marks another important step in shaping a stronger and more inclusive future for Swiss cricket
