Delhi: BCCI has selected umpire Parashar Joshi for the BCCI-Cricket Australia Umpire Exchange Program for 2026. Under this program, he will umpire in two matches of Sheffield Shield and one match of One Day Cup in Australia in November this year. This will give them an opportunity to work in new conditions and understand the domestic cricket system of another country closely.

But the story of Parashar Joshi is not limited to just the cricket field. His name also has an interesting connection with the world of music. It may be difficult to believe, but Parashar, who made his mark as an umpire in cricket, had once reached the stage of 'Indian Idol' with the dream of making a career in singing. Pune-born Parashar Joshi reached the piano round of the fourth season of this reality show in 2008.

Next time you see him officiating in a Ranji Trophy match, remember that this is the same person who was once showcasing his singing skills in front of judges like Javed Akhtar, Anu Malik and Kailash Kher.

His journey from a reality show to the cricket field is special in itself.

From the stage of Indian Idol to the cricket field, who is Parashar Joshi?

Parashar Joshi is one of the well-known umpires of Indian domestic cricket today, but music has also played an important place in his life. In the year 2008, he participated in the fourth season of 'Indian Idol' and reached the piano round. Although his journey in the show could not progress much, this experience of seeing the world of music closely was memorable for him.

His story is different in the sense that he did not limit himself to one dream when it was not fulfilled. He converted his interest in cricket into a new career and moved ahead on the path of making a name for himself as an umpire.

Computer engineering studies, connection with cricket and music

Parashar was interested in cricket since childhood. He also played cricket at club level in Pune. Being good in studies, he obtained a degree in Computer Engineering from Pune Institute of Computer Technology.

However, along with studies and cricket, music also remained an important part of his life.

He started trying to enter 'Indian Idol' from 2005, but he got the chance in 2008. He reached the piano round of the show, but could not continue further. Despite this he did not end his relationship with music.

Got a place in the BCCI umpiring panel in 2015

Interested in both cricket and music, Parashar gradually realized that umpiring could be a better career option for him than becoming a professional cricketer or singer.

After this he focused on making his mark in this different aspect of cricket.

In the year 2015, he got a place in the umpiring panel of BCCI. Initially he umpired in tournaments like Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy. After this, he also got responsibility in Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

With time his experience increased and he continued to progress in domestic cricket. According to available data, he has umpired in 19 first-class, 32 List A and 40 T20 matches. Apart from this, she also got a chance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women's Premier League (WPL).

From Ranji Trophy to IPL, journey covered through hard work

A big milestone in Parashar Joshi's career came in the year 2024, when she got a chance to umpire in the Women's Premier League. After this, he also entered IPL in 2025.

The match played between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals on 5 April 2025 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai was their first IPL match. After continuous work and gaining experience in domestic cricket, he reached this big platform.

In IPL, he got a chance to umpire in matches with big players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and Jasprit Bumrah. The man who once dreamed of becoming a singer in front of the microphone, is now standing in the middle of the field and shouldering the responsibility of taking the right decisions under pressure.

When facial comparison with Shreyas Iyer made headlines

Parashar Joshi was not discussed only because of his umpiring career or music. When he was umpiring in the Women's Premier League, his face started being compared to Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer on social media.

Many cricket fans talked about the similarity in the faces of both. This comparison made Parashar a topic of discussion on social media. Parashar, who fulfilled his responsibilities on the cricket field, suddenly came into discussion among the people regarding his looks.

Made a career in cricket, but still connected with music

Even though Parashar Joshi's professional career now revolves around cricket, music has not completely gone away from his life. He still composes and performs music today. His work is also available on Spotify.

Parashar believes that not every contestant participating in a reality show can become a successful playback singer. Similarly, not every player playing club cricket is able to reach the top level. But this does not mean that a person should give up his hobby.

His story shows that changing career paths does not mean losing touch with your old dreams. Parashar made his mark as an umpire in cricket, but also kept his passion for music alive.

Parashar Joshi's story gives a special message

Parashar Joshi's journey is an example for those people who have to change their career path at some point in their life. His dream of becoming a singer in 'Indian Idol' was not fulfilled, but he converted his other interest i.e. cricket into a career.

Now, through the BCCI-Cricket Australia Umpire Exchange Programme, he is getting a chance to gain experience of umpiring in Australia. This is another important step in his career.

Next time when Parashar Joshi raises his finger to give out to a batsman, not only the umpire standing behind his decision can be remembered but also the singer who kept his passion alive even after leaving a dream behind.