Piloo Dara Reporter (24 September 1938 – 3 September 2023): A Renowned Indian Cricket Umpire
Piloo Dara Reporter, widely recognized in the cricketing world as “PD,” was a distinguished Indian international cricket umpire. He made significant contributions to the sport, officiating in numerous Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs) during a career spanning three decades. Born on 24 September 1938 in Bombay, Reporter embarked on a remarkable journey in the cricketing realm.
Reporter initially commenced his career with the Maharashtra State Electricity Board. However, his passion for cricket and the urge to contribute to the game led him to respond to an advertisement by the then-Bombay Cricket Association seeking umpires. Despite initial setbacks, Reporter persevered and eventually earned a position as an umpire with the association. His umpiring odyssey commenced within the domestic circuit, gradually paving the way for international umpiring roles.
In 1984, at the age of 29, Reporter made his debut as an umpire in international cricket, standing in both Test matches and ODIs. He officiated in a total of 14 Tests and 22 ODIs until 1994, showcasing his prowess in ensuring fair play and adjudication on the cricket field. A pivotal moment in his career came in 1986 when he, alongside V.K. Ramaswamy, became one of the first neutral umpires in modern cricket. This historic event took place during a Test match between Pakistan and West Indies in Lahore, ushering in a new era of impartiality in umpiring.
Reporter was a notable figure in the Parsi community, and his distinctive signal for a boundary was fondly dubbed the “Milkshake” by cricket commentator Henry Blofeld. Beyond his umpiring career, Reporter penned his autobiography titled “An Umpire Remembers,” providing insights into his remarkable journey in cricket.
Tragically, on 3 September 2023, at the age of 84, Reporter passed away. He had been previously diagnosed with a cerebral contusion. Piloo Dara Reporter will always be remembered for his invaluable contributions to cricket, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of the sport’s history.