Umpire Babrekar finishes off his second innings in style

India’s leading English newspaper The Times of India felicitated Babrekar on completing a successful umpiring career that stretched for 29 years. He officiated the Times Shield matches at the top level; A division and B division. The 66 year old has been associated with cricket for nearly all his life, first as a player and then as an umpire.Before becoming a full time umpire, the gentleman from Vasai worked at Mahindra and also played cricket for the company for 23 years. He took a voluntary retirement in 1992 and concentrated on umpiring for the rest of the years. 

Babrekar is considered to be one of the most learned umpires in MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association) panel as he will well-versed with the umpteen number of rules and laws. He is like a walking, talking rule book and this is indeed not an overstatement.

Many cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Dilip Vengsarkar as well as the young turks like Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane have played under the watchful eyes of Babrekar. He is also privileged to have played alongside Sunil Gavaskar.

On a lighter note, the now retired umpire says that, “Umpiring is a thankless job”. He adds, “There is a lot of pressure when you are officiating a formal match. You cannot afford to take your eye off even for a whisker. It is a high intensity job and I have truly enjoyed my umpiring career”.

Baberkar has now taken up the role of a supervisor with Mumbai Cricket Association, to ensure that he is in touch with the game even in the second innings of his life. 

Here are some pics portraying Umpire Babrekar’s cricket journey