The Tamil Nadu Cricket Affiliation not too long ago known as out for candidates to seem for the State Panel Umpire exams. For the primary time, the appliance kind allowed an individual to pick out ‘Different’ within the gender class, along with Male and Feminine. Whereas it could appear like a small change, it got here because of the sheer grit and willpower of a 31-year-old umpire from Coimbatore.
R. Rithika Sri is a transwoman from Salem who has been umpiring within the Salem and Coimbatore circuit since 2021 and has been instrumental in forcing this by way of.
Rithika is the primary transgender umpire in Tamil Nadu. Born as R. Muthuraj, she is a diploma holder in Mechanical Engineering. The engineering dropout was working in Mohali at a name centre when she caught the umpiring bug whereas watching the IPL.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and compelled her to return to her hometown, Rithika determined to attempt to turn out to be an umpire.
“I contacted the Salem District Cricket Affiliation by way of social media. U. Jayaraman, the umpire committee chairman, performed a key function in guiding me. I additionally must credit score two senior umpires, R. Parthasarathy and V. Santhi Booshan, for educating me every thing about umpiring,” Rithika instructed Sportstar.
“She was a fast learner and rose by way of the ranks to turn out to be top-of-the-line in our district,” mentioned Jayaraman, who can also be a psychometric assessor.
It was round this time that Rithika was considering a gender transition. “Jayaraman sir and his spouse supported me by way of this section. Then, he suggested me to determine myself as an umpire for a couple of years earlier than transitioning, in order that my progress just isn’t halted. They have been apprehensive I’d face discrimination in any other case,” she added.
After deciding to bear transition in Coimbatore in 2024, Rithika shifted to the CDCA league final 12 months.
Talking concerning the challenges, Rithika recollects being turned away from a cricket floor. “The primary time in Coimbatore, I went to look at as a result of they needed me to get acquainted with the brand new district, however I used to be denied entry, and there have been hurtful feedback. I went again house crying after an hour, however not earlier than preventing again in opposition to them. Individuals usually accuse trans individuals of begging, however then, on the similar time, they don’t permit us to pursue a dignified livelihood. Can’t a transperson turn out to be an umpire?” she asks.
It was then that CDCA secretary R. Chandramouli and joint secretary Ok. Mahalingam ensured no floor would discriminate in opposition to her.
“CDCA held a gathering and knowledgeable all of the grounds about me and ensured my security. Since then, I’ve officiated in over 15 matches from the primary to sixth division within the CDCA league.
“I’ve by no means had a difficulty on the sector. The gamers have been respectful. In the course of the video games, there may be little scope to speak, and it is just concerning the sport. Over time, as soon as they get to know us, they could open up and turn out to be pleasant.”
Chandramouli revealed he even shifted matches from one floor which might not permit her. “She is a daring lady, and the suggestions from the gamers and different umpires has been good. She not too long ago cleared the CDCA umpiring examination in February and the Viva final month. She is going to now give the TNCA examination in June, and we’ll assist her,” mentioned Chandramouli.
Wanting forward, Rithika says she desires to show to society {that a} trans particular person may be profitable in quite a lot of fields. “I don’t suppose society is ever going to alter, however nonetheless, I wish to obtain one thing and depart a mark. My focus is now to clear the TNCA exams after which ultimately clear the BCCI exams as properly,” mentioned Rithika.
Printed on Apr 28, 2026