Dominica’s Billy Doctrove has been described as an outstanding servant of West Indies Cricket, and one of the leading regional umpires.
That recognition of his professionalism on the playing field is coming from the President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Julian Hunte.
Doctrove last week announced that he was quitting umpiring at the international level, and retiring from the ICC’s Elite Panel.
“It is with a mixture of regret and pride that I offer best wishes and sincere gratitude and thanks to Billy Doctrove on his retirement from international cricket umpiring,” President Hunte said.
“Billy has been an outstanding and faithful servant of West Indies and world cricket for 14 years and we will be the poorer for his decision to now serve from off the field,” the WICB president added.
Doctrove is being told that the board is looking forward “to his contributions in other areas.”
Hunte says the WICB will examine how best to suitably honor Doctrove for his service to the game “and how he can contribute to the development of young umpires who can emulate him and Steve Bucknor who was the trailblazer.”
The 56 year old Doctrove, also a FIFA accredited referee, stood in 38 Tests, 112 One Day Internationals and 17 Twenty20 Internationals.
He officiated in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 2010 in Barbados.
Doctrove debuted on the international stage in April 1998 at Arnos Vale, St Vincent when he stood in a West Indies v England ODI.
He followed up with his Test debut two years later at the Antigua Recreation Ground when the home side faced Pakistan.
Doctrove was elevated to the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires in 2004 then to the Elite Panel in 2006.
The players pavilion at the newest international venue in the Caribbean – Windsor Park in Doctrove’s native Dominica – is named after the country’s celebrated son.
Indeed, a humble servant. We respect you Doctrove. A job well done.
Great accomplishments Doc. You deserve every good thing that comes your way. You served us well.
A son of the soil. Dominicans are proud of you Mr Doctrove. I know your future is bright. Glad that you chose to remain in DA. We Dominicans couldn’t be prouder.
Thanks DA for producing such a great man. We are very proud of you.
A great Ambassador who has served well. Thanks Billy for representing our beautiful country well. We are very, very grateful.
Thank you Mr Doctrove for a job well done. West Indies thanks you, ICC thanks you and most importantly DOMINICA is grateful for your representation at the highest level.
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We respects Billy’s reasons for opting out now though he is still relatively “young”. It would just have been nice if he had stayed on a wee bit longer whilst another Caribbean person moves over.
It was a consolation though to hear that he will be passing on his skills and expertise on the local front in any way he finds possible.
Wish you the best,BILLY; you have made Dominica proud in the sporting world,
wish you have an enjoyable life with your Family,
God bless you, my clubmate.
Congrats again Billy for performing your umpiring duties very well and for representing Dominica on the international scene.