We all love cricket. It gives us so much joy and pleasure. However, behind this great game lie some experiences which are not all pleasant. Here's one such true story. 1/n

Not many people know that years back I was a registered umpire with KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association). I used to play corporate cricket regularly in Madras but couldn't continue my cricket once I shifted to Bangalore in 1989 for a career move. 2/n

Instead, I became an ardent armchair follower like millions of Indians but it was not satisfying enough. Watching replays on TV is never as exciting and I was itching to be back on the ground. 3/n

After due consideration, I attempted (and cleared!) the written and verbal tests offered by KSCA. Surprise, surprise, I was now a registered umpire. I started at lower level league games but steadily moved up the ranks and even officiated inter-city school knockouts. 4/n

Over the years, I had many escapades and officiated some exciting matches. I once even got abused by a bunch of passionate stump-wielding school kids in a Bangalore-Hyderabad inter-city final for an LBW decision. Later replays (in my mind) even proved me right. Then one day...5/n