DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) — International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Richie Richardson for officiating in 50 Men’s Test matches as a match referee.

Richardson, a member of Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, reached the landmark when he took the field in the first Test between Pakistan and England in Multan on Monday.

The 62-year-old former West Indies captain has also officiated in 99 Men’s ODIs, 99 Men’s T20Is, eight Women’s ODIs, and 15 Women’s T20Is, since making his international debut in February 2016.

ICC’s Senior Manager of Umpires and Referees Sean Easey described Richardson’s achievement as a “significant milestone”.

“Congratulations are offered for reaching this significant milestone.

“Building on his extensive experience from being a player and team manager, Richie has worked hard to establish himself as a match referee. That hard work is clearly paying off,” Easey said.

“He conducts himself with composure, integrity, and respect, and in return he is highly respected by the game’s participants.

“On behalf of the ICC, I wish Richie best wishes for his 50th Test match as a referee,” he added.

Richardson expressed his delight at being given the opportunity to achieve such a milestone.

“It is an honour to be officiating in my 50th men’s Test match. I have enjoyed doing this job in different parts of the world and in all three formats of the game.

“I thank the International Cricket Council, Cricket West Indies, and all my colleagues for their support over the years. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends, whose encouragement has been invaluable,” Richardson said.

Richardson scored 5,944 runs in 86 Test matches, and 6,248 runs in 224 One-Day Internationals during an impressive international career from 1983 to 1996.

He was inducted into the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees in 2016.