Former Worcestershire and England bowler, now ICC Umpire Richard Illingworth made a return to Visit Worcestershire New Road last month, as he officiated the T20 Blast clash between the Rapids and Durham.
Earlier this year, Illingworth was announced as winner of an unprecedented third-successive David Shepherd trophy, claiming the award as ICC Umpire of the Year for a fourth time overall.
Speaking on receiving the award, Illingworth said his appreciation will continue while he still has his drive to perform at the top level.
“As long as I am performing to a high standard, then I’m more than happy to continue with how things are. You never get tired of receiving accolades, especially a David Shepherd award.
“Although I don’t really think about it too much at this moment in time, I believe when looking back over the career when it comes to an end, those achievements will sink in a lot more.”
Having represented Worcestershire in between 1982 and 2000, the spinner claimed 742 first-class wickets for the county, appearing in nine Test Matches and 25 One-Day Internationals for England during his spell at the club.
Still living in Worcestershire, Illingworth made the transition into Umpiring during the 2006 Summer, where he was appointed to the ECB’s list of first-class umpires.
After almost two decades standing as an umpire across all-formats of cricket, the Worcestershire-based official says he has become accustomed to the way of life.
“When you’ve done it for so long, it’s like normal work patterns, obviously we get to know roughly in advance where we’re going to be. Whether that be in Bangladesh or Ireland, as it was as the end of May, then the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s or Worcester against Durham at New road!
“You sort of set your diary up quite nicely, really. And it’s quite nice that you know well in advance of where you’re going to be. Of course, it’s good and I still enjoy the travelling.”
To date, Illingworth has stood in 79 Test Matches, 102 ODI’s and 35 T20 Internationals, having previously been in the middle for the 2021, 2023 and the recent 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Despite being recognised for his form with appointments in the highest calibre of matches, Illingworth, says regular conversations with his coach help him maintain his personal standards, as well as his ambitions moving forward.
Above all else, it is his love for the role that has kept him so passionate, with his work becoming more of a hobby – much like his playing days.
“When I discuss with my coach, what my what my targets are for this year, he says, just keep doing the same things that you’ve been doing for the last 10/15, years, because obviously you’re doing something right.
“It’s stood me in very good stead. I just really enjoy the umpiring and I think it shows on field when you enjoy it. If you get the opportunity to smile and have a bit of a laugh, then it helps players relax as well.
“Now they don’t think that you’re just there for just because it’s a job! In one way, it’s a bit like playing, it is a hobby I really enjoy!”
Having been thrust into some of the most high-pressured and scrutinising environments in the game, like any professional, Illingworth has his own characteristics and values that he prioritises to sustain his performances at the top level.
Of those, he says staying engaged with his fellow officials and keeping the players at the forefront of each contest is crucial.
“It’s very hard just to pick one particular thing. I think it all gels together and it’s primarily awareness of how the game is going, knowing when the pressure points are going to be in matches and staying grounded in those moments.
“I think that’s massive but also leaving your ego miles away from the ground. I think if you take your ego out on the field, it’s a bit like anything, it can get in the way of a lot of things.
“So I don’t have a big ego, I try and hopefully empower people that I stand with so that they get the best out of the game and enjoy it as well.”
Now enjoying golf as his pastime, as opposed to the more strenuous running and gym work he did as a pro-player, the 61-year-old is enjoying umpiring as much as he ever has done.
So much so, that any talk of retirement is out of the equation for the time being.
“That time will come for certain. When? I do not know.
“But for now, whilst I am still enjoying it and remain enthusiastic about it, I will continue to keep standing and enjoying it.”
