Cricket

Australian Umpire Ben Treloar Embraces New Challenges in Ranji Trophy Exchange

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 24, 2026, 12:51 IST

Sydney-based umpire Ben Treloar is officiating in India as part of a BCCI-Cricket Australia exchange program, balancing high-level domestic cricket with a unique cultural experience across Delhi and Mumbai.

Australian Umpire Ben Treloar Embraces New Challenges in Ranji Trophy Exchange

Australian umpire Ben Treloar is currently navigating a unique professional experience in India, officiating in the prestigious Ranji Trophy as part of a collaborative exchange program between Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The 44-year-old from Sydney, who has spent over two decades in the umpiring profession, recently completed his first assignment in the country during a drawn match between Delhi and Gujarat at the Palam Air Force II Ground.

The exchange initiative for the 2026-27 season sees Treloar standing in two Ranji Trophy fixtures, while Indian umpire Parashar Joshi travels to Australia to officiate in two Sheffield Shield matches and a One-Day Cup game. For Treloar, the transition to Indian conditions has been defined by both the high standard of play and the distinct atmosphere of the local venues.

Adapting to New Conditions and Cultural Experiences

Reflecting on his time at the Palam ground, Treloar noted the unique environment, particularly the constant presence of aircraft flying overhead throughout the four-day match. Despite the frequent noise, he maintained his focus on the game, praising the hospitality of the ground staff, players, and team management. He highlighted that while the intensity of the cricket mirrors the Sheffield Shield, the logistical aspects—such as session timings and the 90-over daily quota—provide a fresh challenge for an official accustomed to Australian domestic structures.

Beyond the boundary, Treloar has fully immersed himself in the local culture, particularly the culinary scene. The umpire, who serves as Cricket New South Wales' Umpire Education Officer back home, has developed a fondness for Indian vegetarian dishes, including dal, garlic butter naan, and vada pav. He is even documenting recipes to recreate these flavors for his family upon his return to Australia.

Looking ahead, Treloar is preparing for his next assignment: a third-round clash between Mumbai and Haryana at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). He anticipates a different tactical challenge at the Mumbai venue, noting that the red soil pitch is expected to behave differently than the surfaces he encountered in Delhi. As he continues his tenure in India, Treloar remains appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to the game while fostering stronger ties between the two cricketing nations.