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Former Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) batter and Virat Kohli's Under-19 2008 World Cup-winning teammate Tanmay Srivastava has been announced in the umpiring panel for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
The 35-year-old is set to become the first player to play in the IPL and officiate as an umpire as well. He cleared the Level 2 course in two years.
“A true player never leaves the field—just changes the game. Wishing Tanmay Srivastava the best as he dons a new hat with the same passion," the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association posted on their social media on March 17.
Srivastava was India's highest run-scorer against South Africa in Under-19 World Cup 2008. He scored 46 runs from 74 balls. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2020 as a 30-year-old. Then, he made the decision to take a practical approach.
“I understood that was the best player I could be,” Srivastava told TOI. “I was nowhere close to playing the IPL. I had to decide if I wanted to prolong life as a player or have a longer successful second innings.”
“I am still in touch with Virat, but I had to decide for myself and have a practical outlook,” he added.
How Srivastava became an umpire
Srivastava recalls speaking to current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajiv Shukla who was taken about his decision.
"I told Shukla sir that I wanted to do something else in cricket other than playing. He was a bit taken aback since I was still just 30. Then we discussed what the options could be. I did my Level 2 course in coaching in NCA, but I knew the best I could become was fielding coach. I decided to focus on umpiring,” Srivastava recalled.
However, it was not a cakewalk for Srivastava who was juggling a few jobs as coach and scout. He also credited BCCI's umpiring programme which has a quota for former players.
“Studying for umpiring is tough. I used to stay up at nights. You have to study a lot to understand the laws and its implications,” he said.
"There is certain relaxation for players irrespective of the level of cricket they’ve played. The board is encouraging young players to take up umpiring rather than heavily depending on older people with bookish knowledge,” he added.
Srivastava's IPL career
Srivastava has been a part of now-defunct IPL franchises Deccan Chargers and Kochi Tuskers Kerala but did not get to play for them. He was picked for his base price in the inaugural mega auction by the Punjab-based franchises. In 2008, he played five games and scored eight runs from two innings. In the next season, he played in just one innings and remained not out for nought.
