Former Indian International Cricket Umpire V. Vikram Raju Passes Away at 92

Islamabad – Former Indian international cricket umpire V. Vikram Raju has passed away at the age of 92.

According to the Karnataka State Cricket Association, Vikram Raju breathed his last in Bengaluru on Sunday. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the cricketing community, which remembered his long and distinguished service to the game.

Vikram Raju was regarded as one of India’s experienced cricket umpires. During his career, he officiated in two Test matches, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 42 first-class matches. However, he is best remembered for his role in the historic tied Test match between India national cricket team and Australia national cricket team in 1986.

The match, played at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium from September 18 to 22, 1986, became only the second tied Test in cricket history. The first had occurred in 1960 between Australia and the West Indies cricket team in Brisbane.

In that memorable encounter, India was chasing a target of 348 runs but was dismissed for 347, resulting in a dramatic tie. The match concluded when Vikram Raju ruled Indian No. 11 batsman Maninder Singh leg-before-wicket (LBW) to a delivery from Australian spinner Greg Matthews.

The decision sparked considerable debate at the time, and Vikram Raju faced criticism from some quarters. Nevertheless, the moment remains one of the most iconic and talked-about incidents in cricket history. He stood alongside fellow on-field umpire Dara Dotiwalla during the match.

In its condolence message, the Karnataka State Cricket Association praised Vikram Raju’s decades of service, highlighting his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to cricket.

Even after retiring from umpiring, he remained actively involved in the sport as a match referee in various first-class competitions and in the Karnataka Premier League, now known as the KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy.

His contributions to cricket, both on and off the field, will be remembered by players, officials, and fans alike.