Tell My Story

As 31 year old RITHIKA walks into the cricket grounds in Coimbatore to officiate a league level match she exhibits confidence, style and passion. She has become india’s first trans woman cricket Umpire. She regularly officiates in league matches in Coimbatore, Salem and Namakkal districts.

A diploma holder in mechanical engineering, the Salem born Rithika’s passion for umpiring shaped when she watched IPL matches in Mohali during her stint in a BPO in 2019. Then known as Muthuraj, she decided to return to Salem and learnt what it takes to qualify as an Umpire. Jayaraman, the then Chairman of the Salem District Cricket Association’s umpiring committee guided him to prepare and crack the exams.

It was two years later Jayaraman’s wife noticed his other gender identity and Jayaraman was still supportive. Chiding her for having hidden this he advised her to first establish herself as a good umpire and then to for the gender change medical procedure. She followed it and ultimately turned Rithika.

She received similar support from the Coimbatore District Asociation as well and they roped her in. “I am grateful to every one who believed in me, nurtured me and stood by me”, Rithika told tellmystory.in

Rithika’s role as a trans woman Umpire had its initial struggle. When she headed to the Coimbatore stadium to officiate her first match as a trans woman in 2024, security guards didn’t let her in until senior office bearers intervened. Now there is acceptance at all levels including cricketers on the ground.

The Coimbatore District Cricket Association is proud of Rithika being part of them. “Providing this opportunity isn’t just about inclusivity – it’s about recognizing talent. She has brought exceptional skill and dedication to the game, and it’s a privilege for the CDCA to stand by her. By doing so, we hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams without barriers” says the association’s Secretary R Chandramouli.

On her vision for herself, Rithika says “I want to pursue and officiate for IPL, BCCI and even ICI. I want to open opportunities for many like me”. Certainly the daughter raised by a single mom in breaking news grounds literally.