Who is Rithika Sri? Meet Tamil Nadu’s First Transgender Cricket Umpire

Rithika Sri is making history in the world of Indian sports. She has become the first transgender cricket umpire from the state of Tamil Nadu. This is a very big moment for cricket because, for the first time, a transgender person has been officially given permission to work as an umpire in professional matches.
Rithika Sri cricket journey is not just a story, it is also about courage and breaking old rules. For many years, these roles were only seen as being for men or women. By stepping onto the field, Rithika is showing that talent matters more than the gender. Her success has opened a new door for many others who want to follow their dreams but feel held back by society.

Who is Rithika Sri?

Rithika Sri is a 31-year-old from Salem, Tamil Nadu, who holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Her interest in umpiring began while working in Mohali, inspired by watching Indian Premier League matches.

Originally known as R. Muthuraj, she returned to her hometown after the pandemic to pursue cricket seriously. Her journey was difficult, as she faced discrimination and was once even denied entry to a sports ground. Despite these hurdles, she officiated over 300 local matches.

Her persistence led to a historic change: the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) updated their exam forms to include a "Third Gender" category after she spoke up. Today, she is a respected figure on the field, proving that dedication can overcome any social barrier. She continues to work towards her dream of officiating international matches, where she can be present amongst the best cricketers in the world.

Rithika Sri Umpiring Journey

Rithika Sri umpire journey is moving toward the professional domestic level as she continues to build her career. Currently, she is active in some local league matches and is working hard to gain higher-level certifications. She has already gained significant experience by officiating many matches in the Salem and Coimbatore district circuits, including various divisions within the Coimbatore District Cricket Association league.

Once she clears the upcoming state panel exams, after which she can eye on getting herself featured on one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world, like WPL. She will be eligible to work in official state-level tournaments across Tamil Nadu.

Her long-term goal is to pass the exams held by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Clearing these national exams would allow her to feature in major tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and eventually the IPL. By starting at the state level, she is creating a clear path to representing her home state on the national stage.