Anil Chaudhary, a prominent umpiring figure for India and in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has called it quits on his umpiring career. The veteran, who has been officiating in the IPL for the last 17 years, will now be seen doing commentary this IPL season after turning 60 last week. Chaudhary's last match as an umpire was the Ranji Trophy Final game between Kerala and Vidarbha last month in Nagpur. His last international appearance came in September 2023.
Overall, Chaudhary was seen officiating 12 Tests, 49 ODIs, and 64 T20Is. For the past two years, the veteran umpire was contemplating retiring, but he was also looking for other opportunities elsewhere in cricket. Chaudhary decided to take regional commentary, as it has grown massively in the last two years.
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The 60-year-old will be part of the Haryanvi feed in the IPL beginning March 22, with occasional stints in Hindi commentary.
"I have been commentating for the past three to four months. So, I was already in the transition phase. I have also been teaching umpiring and commentary via an online platform," he 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," said the Delhi-based umpire who had been officiating in the IPL since its inception in 2008.
Anil Chaudhary leaves with one regret as he calls it quits on umpiring career
Chaudhary has only one regret as he could not make it to the ICC Elite Panel. Only one Indian umpire is there in the panel- Nition Menon. However, apart from that Chaudhary has enjoyed a fruitful stint as an umpire.
"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," said Chaudhary, who feels proud about officiating in five Ranji finals and the Asia Cup final in 2022.
"We take a lot of stress on the field. Sometimes, our umpires don't eat properly. We are focusing too much on theory when we should worry about the practical implementation part.
"Some get too technical, quoting the law all the time, that is not the best way to approach umpiring. Umpires who rely on bookish knowledge are harming the game. We need to understand the spirit of the law. Just mugging up the law will not take you anywhere," said Chaudhary.
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Chaudhary also shared insights about which players were easy to deal with, and who were tough nuts to crack. The former umpire relished Stuart Broad vs David Warner battles, while he picked Rohit Sharma as the best batter. Chaudhary also stated Kuldeep Yadav is one of the best slow bowlers for India due to his tricky variations, and the bounce he generates.
