Rithika Sri is India’s first transgender cricket umpire, a title that makes her story both historic and inspiring. Born in Salem, Tamil Nadu, she grew up facing many challenges but never gave up on her dreams. At 31 years old, she has already officiated in hundreds of matches and is now recognized as a rising figure in Indian cricket.
Her journey is not only about sports but also about courage and identity. From dropping out of engineering studies to working at a call centre, and later finding her true calling in cricket umpiring, Rithika has shown remarkable determination. In 2024, she embraced her identity through transgender transformation treatment, and since then, she has become a symbol of hope for many.
Rithika Sri Age, Career, Family, Wiki, Spouse
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | R. Rithika Sri (born R. Muthuraj) |
| Date of Birth | 1995 (approx) |
| Age (as of 2026) | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Salem, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Gender Identity | Transgender Woman |
| Education | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (dropped out) |
| Early Career | Worked at a call centre in Mohali, Punjab |
| Profession | Cricket Umpire |
| Career Start | Began umpiring in local matches in Salem and Coimbatore (2021) |
| Matches Officiated | 300+ local matches in Salem and Namakkal |
| Association | Joined Cannanore District Cricket Association (CDCA) in 2025 |
| Exams Cleared | CDCA Umpiring Exam (Feb 2026), Viva (Mar 2026) |
| TNCA Application | Applied for Tamil Nadu Cricket Association State Panel Umpire (2026) |
| Major Achievement | India’s first transgender cricket umpire |
| Transformation | Underwent transgender transformation treatment in 2024 |
| Recognition | Praised by Umpire Committee Chairman U. Jayaraman for quick learning |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
Early Life and Childhood in Salem, Tamil Nadu
Rithika Sri was born in Salem, Tamil Nadu, with the birth name R. Muthuraj. Growing up in a traditional environment, she faced early struggles with her identity. Childhood was not easy, as she had to balance her personal feelings with the expectations of her family and society.
Despite these challenges, Rithika showed interest in education and sports. Her early years shaped her personality, teaching her patience and strength. Salem, known for its cultural roots, gave her the foundation to dream big, even though the path ahead was filled with obstacles.
Education and Early Career Choices
Rithika enrolled in a diploma course in Mechanical Engineering after finishing school. However, she dropped out midway, realizing that her interests lay elsewhere. Like many young Indians searching for opportunities, she moved to Mohali, Punjab, where she worked at a call centre.
It was during this time that she developed a deep interest in cricket. Watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches sparked her dream of becoming an umpire. While most fans enjoy cricket as spectators, Rithika wanted to be part of the game in a professional capacity. This decision marked the beginning of her journey into umpiring.
Journey Towards Cricket Umpiring
In 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Rithika returned to Tamil Nadu. This period became a turning point in her life. She started pursuing umpiring seriously, beginning with local matches in Salem and Coimbatore in 2021. Her dedication and passion quickly caught the attention of senior officials.
She received guidance from Umpire Committee Chairman U. Jayaraman and senior umpires like R. Parthasarathy and V. Santhi Booshan. Their mentorship helped her understand the technical aspects of umpiring. Over time, she officiated in more than 300 matches across Salem and Namakkal, proving her commitment to the sport.
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Transformation and Identity Acceptance
One of the most important chapters in Rithika Sri’s life came in 2024, when she underwent transgender transformation treatment. This was not just a medical process but also a journey of self-acceptance. For years, she had lived with the struggle of balancing her identity with societal expectations. Finally, she chose to embrace her true self.
The transformation gave her confidence and clarity. It was not easy, as she faced criticism and judgment from some sections of society. But Rithika stood firm, knowing that her identity was valid. Her courage to live openly as a transgender woman made her a symbol of hope for many others who face similar struggles.
Career Milestones in Umpiring
Rithika’s umpiring career began with local matches in Salem and Namakkal. Over time, she officiated in more than 300 matches, which gave her valuable experience. Her dedication and discipline impressed senior officials, and she was soon recognized as a promising umpire.
In 2025, she joined the Cannanore District Cricket Association (CDCA). By February 2026, she cleared the CDCA umpiring exam, and in March 2026, she successfully passed the viva. She also applied for the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) State Panel Umpire exams after TNCA introduced the “Other” gender category in 2026. This was a historic step, as it allowed transgender individuals to officially participate in cricket umpiring.
Recognition and Support from Cricket Associations
Despite the challenges, Rithika received strong support from cricket officials. Umpire Committee Chairman U. Jayaraman praised her for learning quickly and showing dedication. Senior umpires like R. Parthasarathy and V. Santhi Booshan also guided her, helping her improve her skills.
This support gave her confidence to continue her journey. Today, she is recognized not only as a capable umpire but also as a pioneer who has opened doors for others. Her inclusion in cricket circles shows that change is possible when individuals and institutions work together.
Personal Life and Identity
Rithika is 31 years old as of April 2026. She was born into a Hindu family in Salem, Tamil Nadu. Her birth name was R. Muthuraj, but after her transformation, she embraced her new identity as R. Rithika Sri. This change was not just about a name; it was about living openly and proudly as who she truly is.
Rithika is unmarried and has chosen to focus on her career and personal growth. Her journey of self-discovery has been long and difficult, but she has shown remarkable resilience. By openly embracing her identity, Rithika has become a role model for many transgender individuals in India who struggle with acceptance.
Interesting Facts About Rithika Sri
- Rithika dropped out of her Mechanical Engineering diploma to follow her passion for cricket.
- She worked at a call centre in Mohali before returning to Tamil Nadu.
- Watching IPL matches inspired her to become an umpire.
- She has officiated in more than 300 local matches in Salem and Namakkal.
- In 2024, she underwent transgender transformation treatment, embracing her true identity.
- In 2026, she applied for TNCA State Panel Umpire exams after the “Other” category was introduced.
- She once faced discrimination in Coimbatore when denied entry to a cricket ground, but she continued her journey with courage.
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