Umpire SandeepThakur suffers forehead injury, out of action for a month

Cricket umpire Sandeep Thakur, who suffered a serious forehead injury while doing duty in a 'B' division Dr HD Kanga Cricket League match at Cross Maidan on Sunday, has been put out of action for a month.

Sandeep Thakur

"Though it was shocking, whatever was going to happen, happened. I was regularly officiating 'A' and 'B' division matches which involved some Ranji Trophy players. But such an incident took place for the first time. I am confident of officiating my next match within a month," Thakur told mid-day yesterday.

The Mumbai Cricket Association panel umpire who has been umpiring for 19 years, thanked neurosurgeon Dr Aadil Chagla, who attended to him before he was rushed Bombay Hospital. Dr Chagla was near the spot while playing at MB Union against New Amrit CC in a 'D' division game.

"I am feeling better now. I was lucky to have Dr Chagla around. It was very nice of him to help me," said Thakur. Thakur, 57, was hit on his forehead when a midwicket boundary fielder threw the ball at the end where he was standing during a match between Apollo CC and United Cricketers.

"It just did my duty; I didn't do anything special," said Dr Chagla. "The scan is normal. There is no fracture and bleeding. He still feeling very giddy and needs to take rest," he added.

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