Suneej Kazhungum Thottathil

Suneej Kazhungum Thottathil] (Born on: 17th May 1981) is a professional cricket umpire known for his contributions to the sport in England, Wales, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was born and raised in Tallicherry, a small town in Kerala, India. Suneej's journey from a cricket enthusiast to an accomplished cricket umpire is a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to the game.
==Early life and cricket passion==
Growing up in Tallicherry, Suneej was immersed in the cricket culture that the town was known for. At the age of 11, during the 1992 Cricket World Cup held in Australia, he made a promise to himself that he would one day watch a cricket match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Despite the odds, he fulfilled this dream 22 years later when he witnessed the 2015 World Cup at the MCG, sitting just an arm's length away from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar
==Career path==
After completing his education, Suneej embarked on a career in financial accounting, relocating to Dubai in 2004. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder and achieved the position of Regional Finance Manager, all while nurturing his passion for cricket. In 2011, he ventured into umpiring for the Dubai Cricket Council, setting the stage for his dual life as a corporate professional by day and a thriving cricket umpire by night.
==Umpiring achievements==
Suneej's relentless pursuit of excellence in cricket umpiring bore fruit as he earned several prestigious international umpiring certifications. His exceptional skills led to an invitation to umpire in the UK for the North East Premier League (NEPL) in late 2019. In doing so, he made history by becoming the first foreign umpire to officiate in a cup final within the NEPL.
The subsequent year brought further recognition as he umpired matches organized by the England Cricket Board (ECB), earning him a place among the Top 5 Performing Umpires from a pool of 68 international candidates. In 2022, Suneej continued his umpiring duties in the UK while concurrently maintaining his professional career in the United Arab Emirates.
==Contributions to cricket==
Suneej Kazhungum Thottathil is committed to advancing cricket in the UAE and Dubai. He aspires to make Dubai a prominent hub for cricket with its world-class infrastructure and diverse culture. His dedication to the sport is evident through his extensive match officiating experience, which spans India, England, Australia, Sri Lanka, and the UAE. He has officiated in international List A matches under the International Cricket Council.
==Professional background==
In addition to his cricketing achievements, Suneej holds a Master's in Business Administration from Geneva Business School, Switzerland, and is a certified Master Financial Controller from the American Academy of Financial Management. He has also served as a Mergers & Acquisitions Consultant in the Asia Region for Rentokil Initial.
==Interview and recognition==
Suneej's remarkable journey has been featured in interviews, including one with RED FM, where he shared insights into his career transition from finance to international cricket umpiring. He highlighted his experiences meeting and interacting with cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Shane Watson, Harsha Bhogle, and more during his umpiring assignments.
==Legacy==
Suneej Kazhungum Thottathil continues to be a prominent figure in the world of cricket umpiring, contributing his skills and passion to the sport while pursuing a successful professional career. His dedication to both fields exemplifies his unwavering commitment to excellence.
==References==
https://www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/11846/suneej-k-thottathilICC Academy|ICC Global Cricket Academy, Dubai - Umpires: Shiju Sam (UAE) and Suneej Thottathil (UAE)
Recent Matches of Suneej K Thottathil
Category:1981 births
Category:Cricket umpires
Category:People from Thalassery
Category:Indian people