Khizer Hayat - Umpiring Career

Umpiring Career

Hayat officiated in 34 Tests from March 1980 to October 1996, and 55 One-day Internationals (ODI) from November 1978 to December 1996, mainly in Pakistan. He made his Test umpiring debut in March 1980, in the 3rd Test between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, together with Amanullah Khan. He umpired regularly in Test matches in Pakistan until 1996. In 1994, he and Mahboob Shah were the two Pakistani representatives on the first international panel of umpires, set up by the ICC to ensure that one neutral umpire would officiate in every Test match. He umpired in his first Test outside Pakistan in March 1994, in the match between New Zealand and India at Trust Bank Park (Seddon Park), Hamilton, together with Brian Aldridge. His last Test was the 1st Test between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura Stadium in October 1996.

In December 1989, Hayat deputized as square leg umpire for John Holder, who suffered a stomach upset, in Javed Miandad's 100th Test, against India at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, while John Hampshire stood behind the stumps at both ends. After the 1st Test between Australia and Sri Lanka at Perth in December 1995, Hayat was caught up in controversy when he and Peter Parker alleged that the Sri Lankan team had tampered with the ball. They were later cleared by the ICC.

Hayat made his debut as an ODI umpire in the match between Pakistan and India at Zafar Ali Stadium in Sahiwal on 3 November 1978. He umpired in ODI tournaments in Sharjah, and in the 1987 Cricket World Cup in India, the 1992 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, and the 1996 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. His last ODI was played between Pakistan and New Zealand at Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot on 6 December 1996.