Manohar set for new role as IPL match referee

Hyderabad: Former Hyderabad opener and BCCI match referee Daniel Manohar will see another first in his illustrious career when the latest edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins on March 26.Manohar will become the first Hyderabadi to be the match referee in an IPL game and he will mark his first appearance in a match that will see IPL debutants Gujarat Titans take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium on March 28. Manohar has acquitted himself well in his role as a BCCI match referee since 2011, when he officiated in 88 games including Ranji Trophy, India A and junior matches. He also was the match referee in the India A vs England Lions, India A vs Sri Lanka A, the Quadrangular U-19 series involving India, South Africa, Australia and Zimbabwe. The attacking left-handed opener, who played 73-first class matches for Hyderabad and India A was obviously elated. “It’s a huge responsibility. That I’m the first Hyderabadi to become an IPL match referee is exciting and humbling. T20 cricket is played at a frenetic pace and we need to be on top of the game always. It will be definitely different from first-class cricket but that experience should help me,” Manohar told TOI on Friday.