From Ratnagiri roots to World Cup stage: Umpire Paleker in action in T20 WC

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The high-intensity T20 World Cup semi-final between India and England at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday was a treat for around 35,000 spectators at the ground. It was also a very special occasion for cricket fans of Shiv village in Ratnagiri district as South Africa-based Allahuddien Paleker, whose roots are in the Konkan region, was one of the on-field umpires for the crucial game. England’s Chris Gaffaney was Paleker’s partner at the other end.

Paleker’s cousin brother, Bakhtiyar Hamid, 45, who played ‘A’ Division club cricket in Mumbai, representing Young Friends CC, reckoned it was a proud moment for the entire Ratnagiri district to see one of their own officiating at the Wankhede on Thursday.  

Bakhtiyar Hamid

“From a very young age, he [Allahuddien] used to be called to umpire matches in local tournaments. He is an award-winning umpire in South Africa and has won back-to-back awards as Best Umpire of the Year. As a family, we feel very proud to see him officiating in a T20 World Cup semi-final today [Thursday]. He was born and brought up in South Africa, but his roots are in Maharashtra [Shiv village]. Not just our family, but the entire Ratnagiri district and Khed taluka are proud today,” Hamid, who lives in the UAE and has also previously played for the national team there, told mid-day over the phone on Thursday.

Cape Town-based Allahuddien has played 16 first-class and 21 List ‘A’ games for Northerns. He has officiated in four Tests, 23 ODIs, and 67 T20Is.

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