In an exciting announcement for Cricket Tasmania, Tasmanian Umpire Sam Nogajski has been added to the ICC Emerging Panel of Umpires.
After being selected to umpire at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 for the first time, coming off back-to-back Australian Umpire of the Year Awards, his years of hard work and excellent performances in domestic cricket have led him to be selected as part of this panel.
Throughout his umpiring career, Nogajski has stood in 75 First Class matches with tomorrow’s Sheffield Shield Final being his 7th straight.
He has also umpired his seventh straight BBL Final, the Hobart Hurricanes' victory over the Sydney Thunder, and his 100th BBL game as umpire.
The ICC Emerging Panel of Umpires is an elite group of four umpires from around the world who have shown great promise in domestic and international opportunities.
They are viewed as potential candidates for the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires which only has twelve umpires from various countries.
Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker are the only Australian umpires on this umpiring panel, and Nogajski joins an experienced group of umpires who will be given further opportunities throughout 2025/26.
Nogajski’s selection in the Emerging Panel shows Tasmanian umpires that there is a pathway from Cricket Tasmania Premier League through to the elite level, and links to Cricket Tasmania’s strategy of producing Tasmanian National Representatives.
He is looking forward to the challenge that will come as part of the Emerging Panel for Season 2025-26.
“It is so exciting to take another step forward in my match officiating journey, and to be elevated to the ICC Emerging Panel and be allowed to officiate on the global stage, it justifies years of hard work and continuous learning.
“The many years of hard work also mean many sacrifices along the way, and you simply can’t progress through the umpiring pathway without a strong support network around you.”
“This appointment comes with fresh challenges and opportunities and I’m looking forward to representing the ICC and Cricket Australia as best I can in the next 12 months, and to be included in the ICC Emerging Panel is an exciting opportunity and one that I look forward to grabbing with both hands,” said Nogajski.
Cricket Tasmania’s Match Official Growth and Development Lead, Darren Close, spoke about what this appointment means for match officials in Tasmania.
“This is a proud and significant moment for Tasmanian Umpiring and Tasmanian Cricket, Sam’s selection to the ICC Emerging Umpires Panel places him among the world’s top umpires – which is a remarkable achievement.
“As a home-grown talent, Sam’s journey is a powerful reminder that hard work, dedication, and perseverance, make it possible to reach the highest levels, no matter where you come from.
“He has diligently progressed through the umpiring pathway and serves as an inspiration to umpires across the country – especially here in Tasmania, where we celebrate this milestone with great pride,” said Close.
For any Tasmanians interested in becoming an umpire or match official, please follow this link: https://www.crickettas.com.au/umpire