Follow UsFamous Indian Umpire Anil Chaudhary has signalled retirement from his career as an international and BCCI umpire.
Chaudhary, who was also seen in the Haryanvi commentary box during the ICC Champions Trophy, turned 60 last week and decided to end his prolific career officiating the game and permanently shift to the commentary box.
The umpire who officiated in 12 Test matches, 49 ODIs, and 64 T20Is will now be heard in Haryanvi commentary and occasionally in Hindi commentary during the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Notably, Chaudhary was already creating regular content on his social media channels, and he used to make content educating cricket-loving audiences on the nuances of umpiring and the rules of the game.
With him being fluent in Haryanvi and the expansion of broadcast in regional languages happening simultaneously, it proved to be a great opportunity for Chaudhary to transition into this new role. Many liked his voice on the mic when he featured in that role during the ICC Champions Trophy.
“I have been commentating for the past three-four months. So, I was already in the transition phase. I have also been teaching umpiring and commentary via an online platform,” Chaudhary told PTI.
“As an umpire, I did around 15 games in a season, here I would be doing more than 50 [matches]. On air, former cricketers look at the game in their own way and being an umpire I have a different perspective on the game. It is fun. I was an international umpire for more than 12 years. Have been doing IPL since 2008 and have done more than 200 games. Kuch na kuch toh reh hee jata hain life mein [Something is always left at the end in life)],” the retiring Umpire said.
The recent Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Kerala was his last game as a BCCI umpire.