Mithun becomes match referee

Former Karnataka opener Mithun Beerala has been inducted into the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s panel of match referees, making Beeralas the first father-son duo from the State to hold the post.

The 39-year-old emulated his father -- former Karnataka batsman and coach Raghunath Beerala -- who also served as the match referee in domestic matches.

The right-hander, who represented Karnataka in 24 first-class matches between 1999 and 2007, received a letter from the BCCI confirming his appointment on Wednesday.

Mithun, who also holds a Level II certificate in coaching from Cricket Australia, said he is excited about the new job.

“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.”

Mithun was the highest run-getter in his debut season and accumulated 1290 runs in his first class career at an average of 33.07.