Indian origin South African umpire to officiate in Ranji matches

South Africa umpire of Indian origin, Allahuddien Paleker, is to officiate in the Group A Ranji Trophy cricket match between Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh to be held at the Wankhede Stadium here from January 5-8. Paleker (36), whose grandfather hailed from Khed in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, is officiating in the game as part of the international umpire exchange programme, said Cricket Board (BCCI) General Manager, Game Development Ratnakar Shetty today.

"He's going to officiate for the first time in India as part of the international umpire exchange programme. He will also officiate in another Ranji match at Chennai (between Tamil Nadu and MP commencing on January 21)," he said. The programme is designed to assist in development of umpires, and umpiring, across the ICC member-countries. Cape Town-born Paleker, who has played 16 first class matches in South Afican domestic cricket, officiated previously as an umpire through the same programme in New Zealand in 2012.