SEASONED Zimbabwe Cricket umpire Langton Rusere continues to make waves on the international stage by officiating in high-profile games, including at the ongoing International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and West Indies.
Rusere, who sits on the Emerging Panel of the ICC, made history in 2021 as the first black African umpire to officiate in a Test match.
His steady climb through the ranks led to his selection as one of the umpires for the prestigious T20 World Cup, proving that he had what it takes to officiate at the highest level of the sport.
During the match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the Super 8 Group 1 of the tournament, Rusere had a notable moment in the spotlight.
He teamed up with Indian umpire Nitin Menon and demonstrated his keen eye for detail and uncompromising adherence to the laws of the game.
In a match in which Afghanistan secured a historic semi-final berth at the expense of Australia, Rusere made his presence felt, stamping authority when he and his fellow officials charged Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan with a breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.
Khan’s inappropriate behaviour, throwing his bat after his batting partner refused to take a second run, was swiftly punished.
The all-rounder received an official reprimand and one demerit point.
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Rusere’s ability to maintain composure and make tough calls under pressure has not gone unnoticed.
His recent assignments have included high-profile matches such as the England vs Oman T20I and the Netherlands vs Nepal T20I.
Rusere’s journey to the international stage has been from his humble beginnings officiating national league matches in Zimbabwe in 2006.
He has steadily climbed the ranks, making his professional debut in a provincial one-day match in 2009 and his maiden regional appearance in South Africa’s provincial T20 competition in 2014.
His senior debut came in a match between Zimbabwe and India later that year and since then, he has gone on to officiate at major cricket tournaments, including the Men’s T20 World Cup, the ICC Women’s World Cup, and the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Rusere’s appointment to the ICC’s Emerging Panel in June 2023, just one level below the distinguished ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, shows that his exceptional abilities are being recognised.
