Cricket Australia Contracted Umpire Panel member Mitch Claydon made his KFC Big Bash League (BBL) on field umpiring debut recently in the match between the Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes at Engie Stadium in Sydney.
A former First-Class fast bowler, Claydon represented Yorkshire, Durham, Kent and Sussex County Cricket Clubs during a distinguished playing career in the UK. Following his retirement from professional cricket, Claydon transitioned into coaching, including serving on the coaching staff of the Sydney Sixers BBL team. He began his umpiring career in the 2019–20 season, standing in the Sydney Premier Cricket competition before progressing through Cricket Australia’s established umpiring pathway.
Claydon has officiated at the Under 15 and Under 17 Male National Championships and was appointed to the Cricket New South Wales (CNSW) State & Territory Umpire Panel in 2023–24. His rapid development saw him stand in consecutive Under 19 Male National Championships Finals in 2023–24 and 2024–25.
During his time on the NSW State Panel, Claydon has officiated in the WBBL, WNCL, T20 Spring Challenge and State Second XI competitions. In the T20 format alone, he has stood in 19 combined WBBL and Spring Challenge matches, along with six appointments as TV Umpire.
Claydon has also served as Fourth Umpire in five BBL matches leading into his on-field debut. Earlier this year, he was appointed to the Cricket Australia Contracted Umpire Panel for the first time, before making his List A debut in the One Day Cup match between New South Wales and Tasmania at Cricket Central in Sydney. He followed this with his First-Class debut in the Sheffield Shield fixture between Tasmania and South Australia at Bellerive Oval in November.
Claydon became the 38th Australian—and just the 10th umpire from New South Wales—to stand in a men’s BBL match.