Tanmay Srivastava, a former teammate of Virat Kohli from the 2008 U-19 World Cup-winning squad, has been officially appointed as an umpire for IPL 2025.
This marks a significant milestone in his career, as he becomes the first person in the world to participate in the IPL both as a player and now as an umpire.
Background and Career
Srivastava played a crucial role in India’s U-19 World Cup victory, scoring 46 runs in the final against South Africa, which helped secure a 12-run win.
Following this success, he was contracted by Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and played in the IPL during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, although his performance was modest, accumulating just eight runs across three innings.
After retiring from professional cricket nearly five years ago, Srivastava transitioned into umpiring and has been officiating in domestic matches.
His appointment as an IPL umpire was announced by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), which praised his dedication to the sport: “A true player never leaves the field—just changes the game,” they stated on their official X account.
Umpiring Journey
At 35 years old, Srivastava has been fast-tracked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after successfully completing the Level 2 umpiring course within two years.
Despite his new role, he will not be officiating on-field during this season’s matches but will serve as a match official.
His journey into umpiring reflects a broader trend within cricket where former players are being encouraged to take up officiating roles.
Srivastava has expressed appreciation for the BCCI’s initiatives that support players transitioning into umpiring, emphasizing that it allows for fresh perspectives in officiating.
Upcoming IPL Season
The IPL 2025 season is set to commence on March 22, featuring an opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.
Interestingly, Kohli will be playing in this match, making it a notable reunion for him and Srivastava as they both take part in the tournament from different roles.
This development not only highlights Srivastava’s unique position within cricket but also underscores the evolving landscape of the sport where former players can continue contributing beyond their playing days.
