Veteran International Umpire Prof. Rathore Dies at 88
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Udaipur
- Jan 30, 2026
- 621
Renowned international cricket umpire and eminent academician Professor Raghuveer Singh Rathore passed away on Friday evening at the age of 88. He breathed his last around 4 pm while undergoing treatment after being unwell for the past 15 days. He was admitted to a hospital in Udaipur.
A resident of Ashok Nagar, Udaipur, Prof. Rathore was a towering figure in both Indian cricket officiating and higher education. He officiated in two international Test matches and seven One Day International (ODI) matches, earning the distinction of being the first international Test umpire from the Central Zone, which includes Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Railways, and Rajasthan.
Prof. Rathore made his international umpiring debut in the India vs Sri Lanka Test match at Chandigarh in 1992. His second Test assignment came in 1993 during the India vs England Test in Chennai. Among his seven ODIs, his first One Day International match was between India and Australia.
Apart from umpiring, Prof. Rathore also served as a member of the Rajasthan Ranji Trophy team for nearly 11 years, contributing significantly to domestic cricket administration and development.
He was also a respected academician and served as a Professor of Geography at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur. According to his close friend and former international umpire Balwant Sharma, several prominent personalities—including Punjab Governor Gulabchand Kataria, former MP Namo Narayan Meena, and former IAS officer Dharam Singh Sagar—were among his students.
Recalling his long association, Balwant Sharma said,
“Raghuveer Singh Rathore considered me his younger brother. I shared nearly 45 years of memories with him. He was extremely cooperative, friendly, and deeply committed to both cricket and education.”
Prof. Rathore also played a pivotal role in cricket administration. He served as the Secretary of the Udaipur District Cricket Association (UDCA) from 1966 to 1996, after which he handed over the responsibility to Balwant Sharma. His tenure is remembered for strengthening the district’s cricket structure and nurturing young talent.
A condolence meeting was held at the Wonder Academy campus to pay tribute to the departed soul. UDCA Secretary Manoj Chaudhary, along with coaches, players, and sports officials, attended the meeting and remembered Prof. Rathore’s invaluable contribution to cricket and education.
With his passing, Indian cricket and the academic community have lost a distinguished personality whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.