Peter Nero is keen to develop the future crop of umpires, having retired from the International Panel of ICC (International Cricket Council) Umpires in January.
Looking back at his time on the International Panel, Nero commented, “it’s a great experience for anyone. It has been a learning curve for me, not just as an umpire but also as an individual.
“You learn a lot about yourself, you learn a lot about your abilities, you learn a lot about your weaknesses,” he added. “So it is really a developmental part.
“I would like to see a lot of our young persons getting involve in (it), not just being an elite umpire or an international umpire, but being an umpire.” Asked why he decided to retire, Nero replied, “it’s age, giving the other guys an opportunity.
“I’ve been there for five years,” he added. “Since I haven’t progressed as I should in that regard, I should give somebody else a chance (and) an opportunity.
It was not an easy decision of course but, however, I think it was necessary.” Nero admitted, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m still on the First Class panel and I’m now involved in training and developing other umpires.” Concerning his highlights as an elite umpire, the easy-going Nero noted, “I’ve been to a number of countries – Australia for (an) Under- 19 World Cup, New Zealand for World Cup qualifiers. I went to Dubai for an Under-19 World Cup and in the Queen’s Park Oval, in the Tri-Nations series final – India versus Sri Lanka in 2013, that for me was a standout.
“There are a number of other things but travel and meeting people, experiencing new places and new cultures. That for me was really a standout.” On a personal level, he stated, “I am actually from L’anse Noir village in Toco. I started off umpiring in 2000. I progressed to the Regional Panel – First Class – in 2005; 2010 – International Panel and here I am.” He went on to add, “I used to play minor league club cricket in Toco back then. I played some basketball at Championship Division, North Zone and so on and, in 2000, I got interested in umpiring.
“I did very well actually, I came first in my exam and that propelled me. People encouraged me and said ‘we think you have the ability’. It was a lot of hard work so that’s what actually is required.” Nero’s full-time job was not an umpire but in the Defence Force, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer Class Four before retiring, with 30 years of service, in 2014.
The father of two (a daughter and a son) described his life, outside of cricket, as “simple”.
“As you see, at 51, I keep fit, try to eat as healthy as possible and try to be as humble as can be,” Nero said. “My family, of course, is very important.”
(Taken from Trinidad & Tobago Newsday)