Mithun Beerala confirmed as match referee

Former Karnataka cricketer Mithun Beerala became the latest inductee in India’s panel of match referee appointed by the BCCI. He follows in the footsteps of his father who officiated in a few domestic games as a match referee making the Beeralas the first father-son duo from Karnataka to hold the post.

Beerala had a middling domestic career

The 39-year old received a letter from the BCCI confirming his appointment as an official referee. The former right-hander played 24 first-class games in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 1290 runs at 33.07 which included one century and 6 half-centuries. He later moved to Madhya Pradesh for more opportunities before retiring from the game. He played his last first-class game in 2007 for Madhya Pradesh against Haryana. He also appeared in 21 List A games, all for Karnataka, making 580 runs at 30.52 with a best of 80 not out.

Beerala has been involved with cricket as a coach after he quit the game. The Bangalore born former cricketer holds a Level II coaching certificate, which he completed from Australia and was happy to emulate his father.

“Obviously, coaching takes a back seat now. With the new domestic season set to begin soon, I don’t see any coaching offers coming at this stage. So, I am happy to take up match referee’s job and just excited to be following in the footsteps of my father.”

Beerala stint in the KPL

Mithun Beerala slammed twin half centuries on his Ranji Trophy debut against Andhra Pradesh in the 1999/00 season. After being ignored by Karnataka in the mid-noughties, Beerala participated in the Karnataka Premier League where he turned up for Bijapur Bulls. He played the first two seasons of the league but after a disappointing season in 2010/11, Beerala was ignored subsequently. Beerala had a decent time in the first season where he helped his side to qualify for the semifinals, where they lost to eventual runners-up Bangalore Brigadiers.