Jamaican umpire Steve Bucknor walks by Zimbabwe cricketers Henry Olonga (left) and Murray Goodwin during the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup. - Dellmar Photos

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

LAST MAY, umpire Steve Bucknor voiced his frustration at not being given enough matches in the Caribbean. The lanky Montego Bay native will have his wish granted in the next six weeks, when the Cricket World Cup is played in nine regional territories.

When Bucknor stood in the one-day international (ODI) between the West Indies and Zimbabwe at the Antigua Recreation Ground 10 months ago, it was his first home assignment in five years.

On Sunday, he told The Gleaner that he gets an adrenaline rush knowing that the World Cup will be held in the Caribbean for the first time.

"I'm always happy to be standing in the World Cup, but I never thought of doing it in the Caribbean," said Bucknor. "It's really a great feeling."

Aiming for his own record

Bucknor of Jamaica (right) receives a special presentation from then West Indies Cricket Board president, Teddy Griffiths, for his outstanding contribution to the game on June 3, 2005.

The 60-year-old, who has stood in the last four World Cup finals, is one of nine umpires selected for the tournament. In the 1996, 1999 and 2003 finals, he strode to the crease with Englishman David Shepherd who retired from the game last year.

Bucknor is fast closing in on Shepherd's ODI record of 166 matches. He currently has 153 games, the last being betweenSouth Africa and Pakistan in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, last month.

Interestingly, Bucknor had only four ODIs and four Tests under his belt when he was selected by the ICC to officiate in the 1992 World Cup final between Pakistan and England. He said it remains his most cherished World Cup moment.

"It wasn't exciting in termsof the cricket, but I was the most inexperienced umpire there, so I had to pull out all the stops to prove myself," he said.

Bucknor has more than proven himself since his World Cup debut. He has consistently been rated as international cricket's best umpire and has officiated in a record 117 Tests.

Like players and administrators, match officials have been criticised as cricket has become more professional. Bucknor is no exception.

"There have been signs of late that he is not quite at the top of his game, and a few errors have tarnished a previously unblemished reputation," Steve Price, of the respected website Cricinfo.com, wrote recently.

Bucknor is aware of the scrutiny placed on the modern umpire, especially with the advent of television cameras. He said the use of cameras, which was first used in the World Cup in 1996, has helped officials and improved all formats of the game.

Up to two days ago, Bucknor was not aware of his itinerary for the World Cup which officially starts on Sunday with an opening ceremony in Trelawny.

Although he would love to be selected for the April 28 final in Barbados, he said seeing the West Indies in the final after 24 years would be even more special.

"I want them to get to the final, that's my desire," he said.