Former ICC elite panel umpire Asad Rauf now runs a shop in Lahore

From being a member of the ICC elite umpires panel to now running a shop in Lahore’s Landa Bazaar, Pakistan‘s Asad Rauf has been through some ups and downs. Rauf officiated in 170 international matches between 2000 and 2013, which included 49 Tests, 98 ODIs, and 23 T20Is.

Rauf is no longer interested in the game and is instead happy being a store owner. The 66-year-old is of the opinion that a job once left should not be taken up again, and thus he did not return to umpiring after he left his role in 2013.

“Nahi, maine saari umar jab khud hi khila diye toh ab dekhna kisko hai (No, I’ve umpired in so many games all my life, there’s no one left to see now). Maine 2013 ke baad cricket se bilkul hi…..kyunki mai jo kaam chhodta hu usko chhod hi deta hu (I haven’t been in touch with the game since 2013, because once I leave something I leave it completely),” he told Paktv.tv when asked if he still follows cricket.

Allegations came from the BCCI and they took the decision themselves: Asad Rauf

Rauf was handed a five-year ban by the BCCI in 2016 after its disciplinary committee found him guilty of engaging in corrupt practices as he reportedly accepted pricey gifts from bookies and had been involved in a match-fixing scandal during the 2013 IPL.

“I have spent my best time in IPL, apart from these issues that came later on. Unse mera toh koi lena dena tha hi nahi, wo unhi (BCCI) ki taraf se aaye aur unhone hi decision le liye (I had nothing to do with these issues, the allegations came from the BCCI’s side and they took the decision on me themselves),” he said.

Rauf was also in the headlines in 2012 for allegations of sexual harassment made by a Mumbai-based model. She claimed that her relationship with the Pakistani umpire was maintained because he promised to get married, but eventually backed down on that commitment. When questioned about the claims, Rauf, who had denied them 10 years ago, reaffirmed his stand.

“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.