SL-Pak semi may be Taufel's final match

Colombo: The World Twenty20 semi-final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan could bring down the curtains on Simon Taufel's illustrious career as ICC Elite panel umpire, provided Australia enter the final of the mega event.

Taufel could be seen officiating in an international match for the last time during the first semi-final here on Thursday, as being an Australian he would not be allowed to officiate in the final in case his country qualifies.

But if West Indies go through to the final, Taufel could be seen in action one more time before he bids adieu to his umpiring career.

Simon Taufel would be stepping down from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires after the World Twenty20.

As per the rules, only the neutral umpires are suppose to be appointed for any international match. Hence, the appointments for both men's and women's finals are yet to be decided.

Along with Taufel, fellow Australian Rod Tucker would umpire in the first last-four stage match, while umpires for the second semi-final between Australia and West Indies will be Sri Lanka's Kumar Dharmasena and Aleem Dar of Pakistan, the ICC announced here on Wednesday.

Taufel would be stepping down from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires after the World Twenty20, which will conclude on October 7, to take up the new role of Umpire Performance and Training Manager.

Meanwhile, the women's semi-finals between England and New Zealand would be umpired by Marais Erasmus and Bruce Oxenford, while the other match between West Indies and Australia will be officiated by Billy Bowden and Tony Hill.

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