Introducing Arvind Achal
Next in our series of introductions to our team of officials at the Cricket on Ice Trophy 2026, is Arvind Achal. We asked Arvind to share a few words of introduction
with us, and we are very happy to introduce him to the wider Cricket on Ice community in this article.
An international umpire who has officiated in T20 Internationals, Arvind Achal wears many hats - an entrepreneur, consultant, angel investor, and a best-selling author. However, he is most proud of the one he wears on the field: his umpire’s hat.
Born and raised in the north of India, Arvind travelled widely across continents before finally settling down in Switzerland. No matter where life has taken him, cricket has remained his constant companion. In fact, his passion in the game runs so deep that his better half has humorously accepted she is his "second wife" - with Cricket firmly holding the title of the first!
A former cricketer himself, Arvind represented his university and has immersed himself in every aspect of the sport - from playing and coaching to commentary and broadcasting. Earlier in his career, he presented sports programmes and delivered cricket commentary for All India Radio. A personal highlight of his broadcasting journey was covering Virender Sehwag’s historic triple century against Pakistan - the first-ever Test triple hundred by an Indian cricketer.
Over time, Arvind discovered that umpiring was not just an avenue to stay connected to cricket - it was his true calling. He has been incredibly prolific in recent years, officiating more than 3,000 overs in the last two Swiss summers alone, a testament to both his stamina and his devotion to the craft.
He is also a qualified ICC Level 1 Coach, actively contributing to grassroots cricket development in Switzerland. In Basel, he coaches young cricketers and has recently begun tutoring and mentoring aspiring umpires as well, helping shape the next generation of the sport's custodians.
When asked to define what the game means to him, Arvind simply says: "Cricket is my Happy Place." Ready to trade the grass for the pristine frozen expanse of the lake, he is eagerly looking forward to making his COI debut.
With his experience, warmth, and unwavering love for the game, Arvind adds tremendous value to the officials’ panel for Cricket on Ice 2026. The tournament is delighted to welcome him.
You can meet Arvind at Cricket on Ice 2026 (11-14.2.2026).