Former Test umpire Hanumantha Rao passes away

Bangalore: Former Indian Test umpire S N Hanumantha Rao on Monday passed away at a private hospital, according to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

Born on September 4, 1929, Rao passed away at Apollo Hospital and is survived by his wife and two sons and daughter, KSCA said in a statement here. "The President, Office Bearers and the Members of the Managing Committee of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, deeply regret the sad and sudden demise of former Test Umpire Sri SN Hanumantha Rao. May his soul rest in peace," KSCA said. Rao officiated in nine Test matches against the West Indies, Pakistan and England from 1978 to 1983. He also officiated in two ODIs against England and Sri Lanka and 16 first-class matches. Rao was also a BCCI Match Referee. His first Test as an umpire was between India and the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from December 1 to 6, 1978. His final Test assignment was also an India-West Indies contest in Ahmedabad from November 12 to 16, 1983. PTI