K Vaitheeswaran, who is often hailed as the ‘father of e-commerce in India’, recently took to his Twitter account to share the story of his cricket umpiring days and the reason why he gave up on his passion.
He shared his true experiences from 4 decades ago when he worked as a registered umpire for KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association).
We all love cricket. It gives us so much joy and pleasure. However, behind this great game lie some experiences which are not all pleasant. Here's one such true story. 1/n
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) May 16, 2021
He revealed he previously used to play corporate cricket as well, but couldn’t continue it once he moved to Bangalore for a career move. However, watching match replays on the television like everybody else didn’t cut it for him, as he longed to be back on the cricket ground.
Instead, I became an ardent armchair follower like millions of Indians but it was not satisfying enough. Watching replays on TV is never as exciting and I was itching to be back on the ground. 3/n
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) May 16, 2021
He went on to clear the written and verbal tests by KSCA and become a registered umpire. He started with lower-level league games and progressed the ranks to officiate inter-city school knockouts as well. He also recalled an unpleasant incident when some players abused him during a match over an LBW decision.
Over the years, I had many escapades and officiated some exciting matches. I once even got abused by a bunch of passionate stump-wielding school kids in a Bangalore-Hyderabad inter-city final for an LBW decision. Later replays (in my mind) even proved me right. Then one day…5/n
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) May 16, 2021
One Sunday, he was called on to inspect a muddy ground alongside another umpire and declare whether it was playable or not. On reaching the ground, he met his co-umpire Shrinivas who had already taken a look at the ground, and urged him to sign the form fast.
There, I was accosted by a young man on a bi-cycle. He introduced himself as Shrinivas, my co-umpire. He pointed out several huge water puddles and said we can declare the game as washed out. He then pulled out a form, all details filled in and requested me to sign fast. 7/n
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) May 16, 2021
He asked Shrinivas the reason behind his urgency, and another person told him about the difficulties and challenges Shrinivas was facing due to juggling multiple jobs as the only earning member of the family.
Shrinivas was the sole bread winner in his family with aged parents and younger siblings. He did several odd jobs and cricket umpiring was one such job for him. While he was keen on the game, the meagre amount paid to umpires per game by KSCA was an added income stream. 9/n
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) May 16, 2021
Upon hearing the other side of the story, he introspected that even though he was earning very little as an umpire, he never felt the need to withdraw it till now. He finally understood the problems his work partners were facing.
Silently I signed the form and drove off. All my match earnings were in my account at UCO Bank, KSCA extension counter. I had never withdrawn anything. My only "earning" was the free ticket for all international games at Chinnaswamy stadium, courtesy being a KSCA umpire. 11/n
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) May 16, 2021
He went back home to narrate the incident to his wife, who told him that some people require this job more than he did. Upon realising that, he decided to sacrifice his career to make way for others who would benefit more from it.
By this time, I also realised that building an umpiring career depended on other factors, some beyond my competence. I completed my season commitments and withdrew totally. All my umpiring now is on TV when I second guess third umpires. 13/n
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) May 16, 2021
He concluded by mentioning how it became the reason for giving up his passion.
Some careers are not meant to take off and you feel disappointed. Not this one though. I never met Shrinivas again. Not sure why but today I just thought of him. I hope he and his folks are doing well. God Bless. 14/n.
— Vaitheeswaran K (@vaitheek) May 16, 2021
Here are some of the reactions the heartbreaking thread got:
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Some former umpires shared similar experiences.
No of matches to umpire. But in the last 3 days of the tournament, all my matches were given to another person. So I went indignantly to the tournament officials whom I knew well, & one of them took me to side & told me the person I was being replaced with needed the money..
— अ (@iNeedBiryani) May 16, 2021
I lived the same doing ddca umpiring.For start, i did matches for gaining experience but requested the fees be paid to another needy umpire..eventually I also left this and back to job..
— Nilesh Gaurav (@Nileshhgaurav) May 17, 2021
2. Others lauded his empathetic gesture.
Gr8 gesture, there is winning in losing the passion also…I will remember this story for long time…
— name cannot be blank (@dilipan_eee) May 16, 2021
Such descions are made by pure souls ,your consciousness is connected directly to the Almighty
Best Wishes 👍👍and wishing your community of souls to grow and make humanity survive through this artificial and materialistic world..— Amit Bajaj (@KumaramitBajaj) May 17, 2021
This thread made me introspect myself.
Such a meaningful thread.
When it comes to your work partners, have friendly bonds with them.
Understand their problems and be a moral support to them.
Life is not all about earning,
Life is about understanding others!— Kushi Gowda🇮🇳 (@Kushigowda99) May 16, 2021
I am pleasantly reminded that there is a difference between job and career. What could be career to some, could be job to some other for the sole motto of earning.#Reflection💧
— Kiran✍️🧭🔭📖 (@101_kiran) May 16, 2021
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