IPL 2025: Virat Kohli's teammate appointed as umpire by BCCI; Tanmay Srivastava becomes first man to...

A standout player from India’s 2008 U-19 World Cup-winning squad, led by Virat Kohli, is set to take on a new role in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Tanmay Srivastava, who played a crucial knock in the final, has been officially announced as an umpire for the upcoming edition of the T20 tournament.

Srivastava was instrumental in India's victory over South Africa in the 2008 U-19 World Cup final. He scored a crucial 46 runs as India managed 159 in 45.4 overs. India's bowlers successfully defended the modest total, restricting South Africa to 103/8 in a rain-affected 25-over match, securing a 12-run win.

Tanmay Srivastava Appointed as Umpire by BCCI for IPL 2025

Srivastava, who retired from professional cricket nearly five years ago, has been officiating in domestic matches. The BCCI has now appointed him as an umpire for IPL 2025.

The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) officially announced this on X (formerly known as Twitter). In a post, UPCA expressed their support, stating, "A true player never leaves the field—just changes the game."

“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!” UPCA wrote on their official X account.

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!#UPCA #IPL #UP #PrideOfUP pic.twitter.com/wrRoW31OG2

— UPCA (@UPCACricket) March 17, 2025

Srivastava had played in the IPL for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He featured in seven matches but managed just eight runs in three innings.

The 35-year-old has been fast-tracked as an umpire by the BCCI after completing the Level 2 course in two years. He is set to become the first person in IPL history to have both played and officiated in the tournament.

Tanmay Srivastava Enjoyed a Successful Domestic Career

Tanmay Srivastava, a former left-handed opening batter for Uttar Pradesh, played a key role in India's 2008 U-19 World Cup triumph. He finished as the tournament's top scorer with 262 runs, including a crucial 46 in the final.

The former cricketer had limited success in the IPL but enjoyed a strong domestic career, scoring 4918 runs in first-class cricket and 1728 runs in List-A matches at an average of 44.3, with seven centuries.

After retiring five years ago, Srivastava began officiating in domestic matches. IPL 2025 will mark his debut as an umpire in a major tournament.

I Am Still in Touch with Virat Kohli - Tanmay Srivastava

Tanmay Srivastava said that he had passed his peak as a player and was not close to making a return to the IPL. He emphasized that his decision to transition into umpiring was based on practicality. Srivastava described the process of studying for umpiring as challenging.

“I understood that was the best player I could be. 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,” he told TOI.

“I am still in touch with Virat, but I had to decide for myself and have a practical outlook. 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.

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