Former ICC Elite umpire Asad Rauf, who quit his umpiring career after fixing allegations in the IPL, now runs a second-hand items shop in Landa Bazaar of Pakistan’s Lahore. Rauf said that he is doing this work not to satisfy his needs, but to support the staff that works under him.
Credits: The Indian Express
Rauf had umpire one hundred and seventy international games throughout his umpiring career from 2000 to 2013.This included 49 Tests, 98 ODIs and 23 T20Is. He was part of the elite panel of ICC umpires. Rauf is happily satisfied with running his shop and has lost interest in the game.
Rauf was banned by the BCCI in 2016 for five years after its disciplinary committee found him guilty of corrupt practices and maligning the game’s image after he was accused of having accepted expensive gifts from bookies and for his involvement in a match-fixing controversy during IPL 2013.
“I have spent my best time in IPL, apart from these issues that came later on,” he said. “Unse mera toh koi lena dena tha hi nahi, wo unhi (BCCI) ki taraf se aaye aur unhone hi decision le liye,” he added.
Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf welcomes any inquiry by ICC anti-corruption unit #IplFixingScandal
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 29, 2013
In 2012, he was also accused by a Mumbai-based model in the matter of sexual assault. she said that she was having an affair with the Pakistani umpire who promised her of marriage and later backed out. Rauf had denied the allegations ten years ago and stood his ground when asked of the same.
“Ladki waala maamla jab aaya tha, toh mai to uske agle saal bhi IPL krwane gaya tha (Even after the allegations from the girl, I had umpired in the IPL next season),” Rauf said.
Rauf’s career started when he advised the Pakistani Cricket Board Chief, Majid Khan to improve the umpiring standards of the nation on par with other teams, by recruiting well-qualified and professional personnel.
Credits: NDTV Sports
His career spiraled downwards after his name surfaced among those who were alleged of corrupt practices during the infamous sixth edition of IPL. However, off the field, Rauf said that the players and even their partners enjoyed his company.
The Landa Bazar in Lahore is famous for providing cheap and affordable clothing, shoes, and other goods. “It is my habit to reach the peak of whatever work I do. I started work as a shopkeeper, I have reached its peak… then when I started as an umpire, I said to myself that I need to reach the peak here as well,” Rauf concluded.
References: InShorts , The Indian Express
Featured Image Source: News panda 24*7
