Mumbai: Apparently, the 40-year old BCCI umpire Paschim Pathak becomes the first umpire from India wearing helmet while officiating in a match.
During a recent Vijay Hazare Trophy match between Kerala and Haryana in Bangalore, Pachim Pathak came on ground with a helmet,which was a rare scene of umpire officiating in a safety measure.
Speaking from Bangalore on Wednesday, Pathak says, "I found it to be very comfortable and safe. One day before the match, I had practiced in the net with the helmet."
Sydney umpire Karl Wentzel was also seen with a helmet. "He is a local umpire in Australia and I have heard about him," Pathak says.
"The idea struck to me last year when an Israel umpire (Hillel Oscar) died due to the impact of the ball. Also Phillip Hughes' death was a tragic incident."
Pathak was the other on field umpire when Australia's John Ward was seriously injured very recently during a Ranji Trophy match between Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
"I approached the BCCI for permission (to wear helmet) and was readily granted. Since then I have been using helmet in all matches and will continue to do so. A day is not far off when more umpires would come forward with helmets," Pathak added.
"Recently I have borrowed this helmet from one of the players but once I return to Mumbai (on 19th December), I will go to a few shops and buy one," he said.
Lighter helmet
"Umpires’ helmet should be different than players," he believes.
"This is because umpires have to constantly wear it without a break and so it should be very much comfortable in all respects. It should be lighter in weight and possess more air circulation, should protect the lower back side around the head and neck. The umpires’ helmet should have no obstruction to vision and hearing," he signed off.
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