Rithika: India's First Transwoman Cricket Umpire Breaking Barriers in Tamil Nadu

Rithika, a 31-year-old cricket official from Tamil Nadu, has become India’s first transwoman cricket umpire, marking a significant milestone for representation and inclusivity in Indian sport. Based in Coimbatore, she currently officiates league matches across Salem, Namakkal, and Coimbatore districts, while also presiding over tournaments organised by private and community groups. Her achievement has drawn attention as a breakthrough moment in a traditionally conservative sporting environment.

Calm and authoritative on the field, Rithika has steadily earned respect from players, organisers, and fellow officials through her performances. Her presence in district-level cricket reflects changing attitudes toward gender diversity in sports administration. Supporters say her journey demonstrates that merit and professionalism can overcome long-standing barriers faced by transgender individuals in public life.

Rithika’s path to cricket umpiring began far from the boundary ropes. A diploma holder in mechanical engineering, she worked in a BPO job in Mohali, Punjab, in 2019, when she was known as Muthuraj. During that period, watching Indian Premier League matches inspired her interest in umpiring, prompting a decision to return to Salem and pursue formal training in the field.

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With guidance from district umpiring official Jayaraman, she began preparing for certification examinations. During this phase, Rithika also opened up about her gender identity after years of suppressing it due to fears about career prospects and social judgment. She has said the encouragement she received to first strengthen her qualifications and confidence played a crucial role in helping her continue.

Her official debut as a transwoman umpire in Coimbatore in 2024 was not without challenges. She was initially stopped by security personnel at a stadium gate and denied entry despite holding an official role. After the issue was escalated, she was eventually allowed inside, though delayed. Rather than discouraging her, the incident strengthened her determination to succeed.

Since then, acceptance has grown steadily. Rithika says players now respectfully address her as “ma’am,” a gesture she values deeply. She now hopes to officiate at the state level, gain recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and one day stand in matches in the IPL and international cricket. Raised by a single mother alongside six siblings, her story has become one of resilience, dignity, and progress in Indian sport.

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