IND vs SA: Umpiring is a family affair for the Palekars

Umpire Allahudien Palekar (right) with his father Jamalodien

On Monday, Jamalodien Palekar, 70, reached The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg long before play began on Day One of the second Test between India and South Africa. He was most eager to see his son, Allahudien, 44, making his debut as an international umpire in the Test. Owing to the pandemic, the ICC (International Cricket Council) have permitted home umpires to officiate in international fixtures.

Interestingly, Jamalodien, his brother and two nephews are also umpires. "It's an honour to see my son standing in his first Test. I am very proud of him. I did not get enough opportunities to further my umpiring career, but I have passed on all my expertise to help him fulfil his dream," a proud Jamalodien told mid-day over the phone from the President's Box at The Wanderers.

Brother, nephews also umps

"I am also very proud of my brother [Hassan] and my two nephews, Abdul Karriem and Mohamed Issack, who are also thriving as umpires. We are a family that have always been involved with cricket, first as players and now as umpires. I have some family members in India and Dubai and they also enjoy playing cricket. So, in a way, this game runs in our family's blood," added Jamalodien, who began his umpiring career at Wynberg Boys High School, Cape Town.

"In 2000, the school asked JC [Jamalodien] to be their resident umpire. He was well known in club cricket and we were thrilled when he agreed. He was a member of Wynberg's cricketing staff for many years," the school's then headmaster, Keith Richardson, recalled.

‘Calm and unflustered'

"I do not recollect a single incident where there was any tension in a match because of an umpiring decision. He was quick to praise players from both sides for good performances, particularly the gritty ones. As an umpire, JC was calm and unflustered, oozing confidence," added Richardson.

Son, Allahudien seems similarly confident.