Former cricket umpire Jeff Evans has died at the age of 70.

The Welshman officiated in 258 first-class matches and more than 400 limited-overs matches, as well as five women’s internationals in a 22-year career at the top level of the domestic game.

Born in Llanelli in 1954, he started his umpiring career in the South Wales Cricket Association before working his way up through the Minor Counties to reach the professional level in 1999.

Evans, a Welsh speaker, was at the time one of the few umpires not to have played first-class cricket.

A popular figure on the circuit, he bowed out aged 65 with a series of Glamorgan fixtures during the Covid-affected 2020 season, before finishing with a West Country derby between Somerset and Gloucestershire.

His local club Drefach CC said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and long-standing member Jeff Evans, a respected umpire known all over the world.”

The news of Evans’ death brought tributes from the Welsh cricket world.

“I’m devastated by the news,” said long-serving BBC Sport Wales commentator Edward Bevan. “He was a lovely man, so helpful to everyone on the professional circuit, and a great coach of schools cricket. He will be missed by many in the cricket fraternity.”

Former Glamorgan captain and coach Robert Croft said on social media: “Heartbreaking news. A long-time friend, with so many wonderful memories all the way through schools cricket to first-class cricket.”

Evans’ death will be marked by a minute’s silence before the final day of the Middlesex v Glamorgan County Championship match at Lord’s on Monday, with the players wearing black armbands.