Friday, April 15, 2016

Murali attained VIP status over the last decade after becoming India's most renowned logistics Manager of the 2000s

It was Murali
who roped in Gavaskar to meet with ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’ Kamal in the early 80s for a 'Star meet Star' show in Madras

Well over two decades after its occurrence, Umpire K Murali
(referred to in the cricketing circles as ‘Dhaadi Murali’) is still famously
remembered for his brave decision not to call for the third umpire and judging
West Indian legend Brian Lara stumped on a close call in October 1994 in the
one day match against New Zealand in Goa. Lara’s gesture to Murali to call for
the third umpire earned him a one match ban and a big fine. Murali was lauded
by Match Referee Raman Subba Row forhis brave call (He also came to be called 'Lara Murali' for a while after that incident!!!).

Murali had
to his credit playing three different and successful roles in cricket – an
international umpire from Srirangam, a man who has been running a league club
in the TNCA for over three decades (TSR MSC) and a logistics / administrative
manager for the Indian team and the ICC match officials in India.

Over the
past decade, one could rarely miss a shot of him around the dressing room/
sight screen during the international matches played in India, for he was the
go to man for any requirement, initially for the players and later on for the ICC match officials.

Murali seen along with Venkataraghavan

Humble
beginnings

With
Venkatesa Perumal at Gunaseelam being his Kula Deivam, Murali and his family
moved to Srirangam from Coimbatore