Devdas Govindjee is a South African born match referee for Cricket South Africa,the International Cricket Council as well as the Indian premier league.The bright and bubbly Devdas with a dynamic personality and a flare for fashion was also awarded the Sports personality of the year from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University..Read more to find out about a day in the life of a match referee with a man who has traveled across the globe pursuing his passion and interacting with cricketers, sports personalities and of course the who's who of the Bollywood movie industry.
Nationality:Devdas Govindjee . proudly South African of Indian origin- born and raised (as was my late father) in the city of Port Elizabeth South Africa where I still reside.
Education background: Hold a B.A. (Hons) degree in History and as well as a Teaching Diploma. Studied at the then University College of Durban ( Now the Univ of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and also at the University of Port Elizabeth (now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University NMMU).
Drink that you would order at a coffee shop: If I went into a coffee shop – and I do that often- depending on the time of day it would either be a cup of Earl Grey Tea with Hot milk or a Cappuccino.
Pet peeve:My pet peeve would be racism of any form and intolerance.
1. Firstly, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed despite your very hectic lifestyle.So tell me who is Devdas Govindjee? Tell me a little bit about your background. Where were you born? Basically a brief synopsis of your life from a child up until university.
I was born into a very loving home in the city of Port Elizabeth. I attended the Weiss Memorial Primary School and then the South End High School. Our home cum little shop was in the centre of the city. My parents had 5 children but the first born, my elder brother passed away at the age of 7 – I have 3 loving sisters who are all married with two living in Cape town and one in P.E. (Port Elizabeth). We were born into a home that loved sport so my earliest recollections are of playing all sport in the streets of our area. I was a sports fanatic who ran around collecting autographs of any sportsman no matter what sporting code- crazy as it might sound but I have books with signatures of cyclists, rugby players, athletes, cricketers, tennis players etc I was the one who would eat drink and sleep sport!
2. How did you become involved with the cricketing world?
Interesting question- my first love was tennis and I was winning titles from a very early age and went on to obtain provincial colours in tennis as well as in cricket and table tennis- also played serious first league soccer. Naturally my father was not impressed as he feltI should have concentrated on tennis and played at the highest level- however being a black (that’s how I see myself) south African we had no incentives as there was no money in any sporting code for us playing in a racially divided society in racially divided leagues. So when a season came along i was out there playing- happiest when just playing sport. Sport was my life. At University we formed a very powerful Unicol Tennis tram that dominated the Natal tennis leagues for those few years. Also represented Southern Natal at the 1970 SA Inter provincial tournament in Durban.
Once I reached the pinnacle of my tennis career I opted to go the cricket route and played for Eastern Province from 1968 until 1984. Continued to play league cricket even well after that. I stayed with the game and got involved at different levels of administration as well as obtaining a Level 3 Coaching Qualification from Cricket SA- went on the serve as National Selector and Convenor of Selectors at the SA Universities week- served there for 10 years. At the same time i was coaching part time and managing teams of the University of PE. In 2000 I was appointed to be the liaison officer for the touring New Zealand Cricket team and spent 3 months with them around SA. In the same year I was appointed by Supersport onto their Cricket Commentary team and even commentated during the 2003 World Cup in Sa.
3. What is the difference between a match referee and a cricket umpire?
There is a clear distinction. Umpires are those officiating either on the field of play or as 3rd or 4th umpires. Match referees in most cases have never umpired! They are in charge of everything that happens at the stadium or at the gorunds- appointed by the controlling body like Cricket SA or the ICC to represent them and to report to them on everything that goes on during the match. It is a demanding position and one of great responsibility even though to the man in the street it seems like I merely “get paid to watch cricket!” The only time a Match Referee is virtually seen on the field of play is at the toss with the two captains- thereafter he sits in his own area looking out onto the stadium- the 3rd umpire sits next to him watching a TV monitor for decisions that are referred. In essence the Match Referee forms the link between the umpires, the team, the host country and the ICC.
4. How long have you been a match referee?
Nationality:Devdas Govindjee . proudly South African of Indian origin- born and raised (as was my late father) in the city of Port Elizabeth South Africa where I still reside.
Education background: Hold a B.A. (Hons) degree in History and as well as a Teaching Diploma. Studied at the then University College of Durban ( Now the Univ of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) and also at the University of Port Elizabeth (now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University NMMU).
Drink that you would order at a coffee shop: If I went into a coffee shop – and I do that often- depending on the time of day it would either be a cup of Earl Grey Tea with Hot milk or a Cappuccino.
Pet peeve:My pet peeve would be racism of any form and intolerance.
1. Firstly, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed despite your very hectic lifestyle.So tell me who is Devdas Govindjee? Tell me a little bit about your background. Where were you born? Basically a brief synopsis of your life from a child up until university.
I was born into a very loving home in the city of Port Elizabeth. I attended the Weiss Memorial Primary School and then the South End High School. Our home cum little shop was in the centre of the city. My parents had 5 children but the first born, my elder brother passed away at the age of 7 – I have 3 loving sisters who are all married with two living in Cape town and one in P.E. (Port Elizabeth). We were born into a home that loved sport so my earliest recollections are of playing all sport in the streets of our area. I was a sports fanatic who ran around collecting autographs of any sportsman no matter what sporting code- crazy as it might sound but I have books with signatures of cyclists, rugby players, athletes, cricketers, tennis players etc I was the one who would eat drink and sleep sport!
2. How did you become involved with the cricketing world?
Interesting question- my first love was tennis and I was winning titles from a very early age and went on to obtain provincial colours in tennis as well as in cricket and table tennis- also played serious first league soccer. Naturally my father was not impressed as he feltI should have concentrated on tennis and played at the highest level- however being a black (that’s how I see myself) south African we had no incentives as there was no money in any sporting code for us playing in a racially divided society in racially divided leagues. So when a season came along i was out there playing- happiest when just playing sport. Sport was my life. At University we formed a very powerful Unicol Tennis tram that dominated the Natal tennis leagues for those few years. Also represented Southern Natal at the 1970 SA Inter provincial tournament in Durban.
Once I reached the pinnacle of my tennis career I opted to go the cricket route and played for Eastern Province from 1968 until 1984. Continued to play league cricket even well after that. I stayed with the game and got involved at different levels of administration as well as obtaining a Level 3 Coaching Qualification from Cricket SA- went on the serve as National Selector and Convenor of Selectors at the SA Universities week- served there for 10 years. At the same time i was coaching part time and managing teams of the University of PE. In 2000 I was appointed to be the liaison officer for the touring New Zealand Cricket team and spent 3 months with them around SA. In the same year I was appointed by Supersport onto their Cricket Commentary team and even commentated during the 2003 World Cup in Sa.
3. What is the difference between a match referee and a cricket umpire?
There is a clear distinction. Umpires are those officiating either on the field of play or as 3rd or 4th umpires. Match referees in most cases have never umpired! They are in charge of everything that happens at the stadium or at the gorunds- appointed by the controlling body like Cricket SA or the ICC to represent them and to report to them on everything that goes on during the match. It is a demanding position and one of great responsibility even though to the man in the street it seems like I merely “get paid to watch cricket!” The only time a Match Referee is virtually seen on the field of play is at the toss with the two captains- thereafter he sits in his own area looking out onto the stadium- the 3rd umpire sits next to him watching a TV monitor for decisions that are referred. In essence the Match Referee forms the link between the umpires, the team, the host country and the ICC.
4. How long have you been a match referee?
I was appointed in the 2005-2006 season on the Cricket SA panel and in 2009 onto the regional panel of the ICC Match Referees.
5. What made you want to be a match referee?
Having done so much at different levels of cricket I wanted to reach for new challenges and commentating was not offering that- the area of Match Refereeing was not known to me so it was with much trepidation that I actually applied- turned out to be the best decision i had made in a long while.
6. What character traits do the best match referees have?
A good match referee needs to be a people’s person and one who can create a synergy between the various role players- there are the captains, the coaches, the managers, the home union officials and then the umpires – it should never be a “Us versus Them” situation as we are all there for the betterment of the game of cricket. Naturally you will need to know the game as well as the laws and the various codes of conduct that will come up from time to time for your attention.
7. What would you say are the positives and the negatives of the job?
If you love and are passionate about the game then there are only plusses! Travelling and long periods away from home always a challenge but with the support of the wife and family this is manageable.
8. What are some of the difficulties you face in your job?
Sport is a high powered business and with that are the pressures of franchises and franchise owner looking for results – this filters through and one has to deal with captains and coaches in different circumstances as well as with players- sometimes not in the best of moods etc but dealing with all of that in a respectful way poses the greatest challenge.
9. In your experience, is it a different experience being a match referee for a test match compared to a one day international match?
I have never done a Test Match but the longer format poses it’s own challenges. The shorter the format the more frenetic the pace the quicker things happen that requires your attention- in the longer version this is less likely to happen but your challenge then is to remain focused on each ball that is bowled throughout what could be a long day.
10.What role does the match referee play in ensuring that the game is played in the right spirit?
That is one of the top items on my Agenda prepared for the pre-match or pre-series meetings held with captains, coaches and managers. Upholding the spirit of the game is very important to me as the game of cricket like all sport should avoid negative incidents that impact on the game and also influences millions of youngsters all over the world playing or following the game. Play hard but play fair and in the right spirit will always be a priority to me.
11.What do you think about the technology that is used in the game? Video replay, Hawk-eye, stump cam etc. Do you think it undermines the role of an umpire? Is the referral system a positive tool for the game?
This is a very good question. I have worked with most of the leading umpires in world cricket- at the end of the day we all agree that what we want is to reduce the number of errors in decision making during the game. This is being achieved progressively as the technology improves and umpires no longer feel intimidated or shown up- those at home see how difficult it is to judge certain calls and they also appreciate a correct decision at the end of the day.
12. Through my own personal observation, I have noticed that you do have quite a flare for fashion. Do you wear branded clothing only?
For one who does not drink nor smoke and is a vegetarian there has to be some other passion- mine just happens to be for good clothing. Well, firstly I am loyal to our clothing and shoe sponsors at various levels. Then I am not too concerned about a particular label – I will wear or buy what I think will be suitable and appropriate and which will hopefully be comfortable and give me a sense of feeling good.
13. How do you balance your personal life and your career?
As a retired academic I am fortunate to have the most amazing support from an understanding and loving wife Urmila and my sons Avinash and Vikash who are equally passionate about sport so I take much pride in my career and the success I make of it. When I am home I devote much time to the family and this compensates to a large extent for the time spent away from them.
14. Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? What are your thoughts on religion and faith?
Yes I am spiritual and my late father was a respected Pundit. However I was raised lovingly and it was always emphasized never to become fanatical about anything as this leads to intolerance- those wise teaching remain with me and i am grateful for that.
15. What are your thoughts on polygamous relationships?
To each his own I say and who am I to criticise? If it works for those who practice it then so be it- not sure about the bank balance needed though!
16. What was the most memorable cricket match that you refereed and why?
I treat all matches with the equal respect and attention it deserves and naturally some turn out to be more challenging – most of the time I am too busy to actually sit back and enjoy the games! However who can ever forget 80 000 fans crammed in to Eden Gardens in Kolkata – the 70th and final match of IPL4 in 2011 which would decide who goes through to the play offs- and the two “Gods” of India Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians) and Shah Rukh Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders) present. Momentous and wonderful and electric – and i have the memories of that imprinted in my mind forever.
17. What is your opinion about interfaith marriages?
Love means different things to different people at different stages of one’s life. In most cases too much emphasis is placed on the physical whereas love should be more companionship for life! If your life partner to be is of a different faith then get together and make a life of it. The two will naturally need to each make compromises and to then make it work. It has worked and will work in the future. And of course if it does not work then the reasons should never be a generalisation but personal.
18. If you were not a cricket match referee what would you be doing?
Having served my time in the field of Education I would probably be out somewhere with my camera looking for some or other interesting thing to share – I would not mind getting back to lecturing as it was a most rewarding time of my life as well
19. What topics and subjects are you the most passionate about?
I believe in being well rounded – so discussions should never be limiting or limited – I enjoy chatting about Sport ( naturally) but will just generally chat and contribute where i am able to on most topics ranging from the music of the 60’s onwards to the books that are worth reading.
20. If someone could grant you one wish and you could choose to have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?
I believe all of this is pre-destined so lets leave it at that- am quite content with what God has in his wisdom bestowed upon me.
21. What are your favourite websites?
Not too much browsing around- I update my social Network regularly as family and friends enjoy (so they say) getting my updates and more especially the pics that I post. I google when the need arises.
22. What are the best character traits for someone aspiring to be a match referee?
Be passionate and at all times totally unprejudiced and impartial. Stay calm and focused and have a respectful approach in your dealings with all – be it the Curator at the Grounds, the Scorers, The Media people, the PCT (Playing control Team) the local organising committee and officials etc.
23. Are there any additional comments you'd like to add for the blog readers?
My good wishes to the Desert Moon- may her blog continue to be read and followed. Thanks for this pleasure of being a part of it.
Once again, thank you very much Devdas Govindjee for taking the time to answer these questions and also for sharing some of your priceless pictures with all of us.Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your career and beyond!!!
5. What made you want to be a match referee?
Having done so much at different levels of cricket I wanted to reach for new challenges and commentating was not offering that- the area of Match Refereeing was not known to me so it was with much trepidation that I actually applied- turned out to be the best decision i had made in a long while.
6. What character traits do the best match referees have?
A good match referee needs to be a people’s person and one who can create a synergy between the various role players- there are the captains, the coaches, the managers, the home union officials and then the umpires – it should never be a “Us versus Them” situation as we are all there for the betterment of the game of cricket. Naturally you will need to know the game as well as the laws and the various codes of conduct that will come up from time to time for your attention.
7. What would you say are the positives and the negatives of the job?
If you love and are passionate about the game then there are only plusses! Travelling and long periods away from home always a challenge but with the support of the wife and family this is manageable.
8. What are some of the difficulties you face in your job?
Sport is a high powered business and with that are the pressures of franchises and franchise owner looking for results – this filters through and one has to deal with captains and coaches in different circumstances as well as with players- sometimes not in the best of moods etc but dealing with all of that in a respectful way poses the greatest challenge.
9. In your experience, is it a different experience being a match referee for a test match compared to a one day international match?
I have never done a Test Match but the longer format poses it’s own challenges. The shorter the format the more frenetic the pace the quicker things happen that requires your attention- in the longer version this is less likely to happen but your challenge then is to remain focused on each ball that is bowled throughout what could be a long day.
10.What role does the match referee play in ensuring that the game is played in the right spirit?
That is one of the top items on my Agenda prepared for the pre-match or pre-series meetings held with captains, coaches and managers. Upholding the spirit of the game is very important to me as the game of cricket like all sport should avoid negative incidents that impact on the game and also influences millions of youngsters all over the world playing or following the game. Play hard but play fair and in the right spirit will always be a priority to me.
11.What do you think about the technology that is used in the game? Video replay, Hawk-eye, stump cam etc. Do you think it undermines the role of an umpire? Is the referral system a positive tool for the game?
This is a very good question. I have worked with most of the leading umpires in world cricket- at the end of the day we all agree that what we want is to reduce the number of errors in decision making during the game. This is being achieved progressively as the technology improves and umpires no longer feel intimidated or shown up- those at home see how difficult it is to judge certain calls and they also appreciate a correct decision at the end of the day.
12. Through my own personal observation, I have noticed that you do have quite a flare for fashion. Do you wear branded clothing only?
For one who does not drink nor smoke and is a vegetarian there has to be some other passion- mine just happens to be for good clothing. Well, firstly I am loyal to our clothing and shoe sponsors at various levels. Then I am not too concerned about a particular label – I will wear or buy what I think will be suitable and appropriate and which will hopefully be comfortable and give me a sense of feeling good.
13. How do you balance your personal life and your career?
As a retired academic I am fortunate to have the most amazing support from an understanding and loving wife Urmila and my sons Avinash and Vikash who are equally passionate about sport so I take much pride in my career and the success I make of it. When I am home I devote much time to the family and this compensates to a large extent for the time spent away from them.
14. Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? What are your thoughts on religion and faith?
Yes I am spiritual and my late father was a respected Pundit. However I was raised lovingly and it was always emphasized never to become fanatical about anything as this leads to intolerance- those wise teaching remain with me and i am grateful for that.
15. What are your thoughts on polygamous relationships?
To each his own I say and who am I to criticise? If it works for those who practice it then so be it- not sure about the bank balance needed though!
16. What was the most memorable cricket match that you refereed and why?
I treat all matches with the equal respect and attention it deserves and naturally some turn out to be more challenging – most of the time I am too busy to actually sit back and enjoy the games! However who can ever forget 80 000 fans crammed in to Eden Gardens in Kolkata – the 70th and final match of IPL4 in 2011 which would decide who goes through to the play offs- and the two “Gods” of India Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians) and Shah Rukh Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders) present. Momentous and wonderful and electric – and i have the memories of that imprinted in my mind forever.
17. What is your opinion about interfaith marriages?
Love means different things to different people at different stages of one’s life. In most cases too much emphasis is placed on the physical whereas love should be more companionship for life! If your life partner to be is of a different faith then get together and make a life of it. The two will naturally need to each make compromises and to then make it work. It has worked and will work in the future. And of course if it does not work then the reasons should never be a generalisation but personal.
18. If you were not a cricket match referee what would you be doing?
Having served my time in the field of Education I would probably be out somewhere with my camera looking for some or other interesting thing to share – I would not mind getting back to lecturing as it was a most rewarding time of my life as well
19. What topics and subjects are you the most passionate about?
I believe in being well rounded – so discussions should never be limiting or limited – I enjoy chatting about Sport ( naturally) but will just generally chat and contribute where i am able to on most topics ranging from the music of the 60’s onwards to the books that are worth reading.
20. If someone could grant you one wish and you could choose to have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?
I believe all of this is pre-destined so lets leave it at that- am quite content with what God has in his wisdom bestowed upon me.
21. What are your favourite websites?
Not too much browsing around- I update my social Network regularly as family and friends enjoy (so they say) getting my updates and more especially the pics that I post. I google when the need arises.
22. What are the best character traits for someone aspiring to be a match referee?
Be passionate and at all times totally unprejudiced and impartial. Stay calm and focused and have a respectful approach in your dealings with all – be it the Curator at the Grounds, the Scorers, The Media people, the PCT (Playing control Team) the local organising committee and officials etc.
23. Are there any additional comments you'd like to add for the blog readers?
My good wishes to the Desert Moon- may her blog continue to be read and followed. Thanks for this pleasure of being a part of it.
Once again, thank you very much Devdas Govindjee for taking the time to answer these questions and also for sharing some of your priceless pictures with all of us.Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your career and beyond!!!
