Patel will stand in the match between the Tasmania and Western Australia at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. In doing so, Patel becomes the 86th cricket umpire from New South Wales to stand in a First-Class match.
Patel’s began umpiring over a decade ago after he joined the New South Wales Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association (NSWCUSA) and was appointed to Premier and Shires matches in Sydney. Patel went on to make his New South Wales Premier Cricket First-Grade debut in November 2017. Patel finished that breakout season standing in the New South Wales Premier Cricket Finals was named the NSWCUSA’s Panel 2 Umpire of the Year. Capping the season, Patel was awarded the prestigious George Borwick Medal for the first time.
Patel was appointed to the New South Wales State Umpire Panel, prior to the 2019/20 season. Patel was then appointed to the CA Under 17 Male National Championships in Queensland as part of the 10-strong tournament panel. In the same season, Patel was appointed to the Under 19 Male National Championships in Perth, a rare achievement. Patel stood in the first of his WBBL and WNCL matches during the 2019/20 season. Patel continued his progression in the 2020/21 season standing in his first Toyota Second XI match, subsequent WBBL and WNCL appointments, all whilst fulfilling a full New South Wales Premier Cricket schedule. Patel’s prolific season was again recognised by the NSWCUSA when he was awarded the George Borwick Medal for the second time.
Last season, Patel was again appointed to the CA Under 19 Male National Championships in Queensland where he was appointed to the Final. Prior to this season, Patel was elevated to the CA Supplementary Umpire Panel for the first time. Patel then undertook his Level 3 High Performance Umpire accreditation program, the invitation only accreditation run by Cricket Australia. In October this year, Patel reached a significant milestone when he made his List-A umpiring debut when Queensland played South Australia in the Marsh One Day Cup at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Patel made a second significant umpiring debut when he was appointed to his first KFC BBL match played between the Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba also in Brisbane.
Off the field, Patel is an active member of the NSWCUSA where he has headed up the social committee and regularly facilitates learning and development sessions for umpires in New South Wales. Patel is joined on-field by National Umpire Panel (NUP) member Sam Nogajski for this Marsh Sheffield Shield encounter whilst National Match Referee Panel member David Johnston is overseeing proceedings at Blundstone Arena.