Galle (IANS 21 Nov 2001) The International Cricket Council (ICC), Sunday congratulated Ranjan Madugalle, a former Sri Lankan cricketer on his achievement of becoming the first match referee to officiate 200 Test matches.Madugalle also serves as Chief Referee of Elite Panel of Match referees and reached this landmark during the first test between Sri Lankan cricketers and West Indies at Galle. Madugalle received mementos from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and the ICC, by Dr Jayantha Dharmadasa, Vice President of SLC, and Ashley de Silva CEO, respectively.Madugalle also officiated 200 Test matches for men.He has also officiated 369 men’s ODIs, and 125 men’s T20Is.Madugalle has been the match referee for 14 women’s OCIs and 8 women’s T20Is.
Madugalle released a statement about the milestone, saying, “It’s an honor and a privilege being officiating at my 200th Test match.It isn’t a milestone that I ever imagined.” It has been a while since I took on the role.However, I feel like it was just yesterday.
It is evident that this is what dreams are made from and I am still passionately involved in the game as well as my job, while also collaborating with colleagues around the globe.
The passion I feel for cricket comes directly from playing it and it has been a blessing to be able to keep in touch with the sport.
For all the support they have given me over the years, I am grateful to the International Cricket Council and Sri Lanka Cricket.I also want to thank my family members and friends for their support, as without them it wouldn’t have been possible to get this far.
Madugalle had a decade-long career as an international cricketer for Sri Lanka.He played in all 18 of the country’s Test matches, and was admired by his style-play.
In his two final Tests, he captained Sri Lanka.Madugalle retired from cricket in 1992 after playing in 21 Tests.He also played in 63 ODIs.In 1993, he was appointed a ICC match referee.
Madugalle started as a match referee in December 1999 when he was assigned to the test between Pakistan and New Zealand.He also played his first ODI that year.
He is a regular participant at major ICC tournaments and has been ICC match referee for four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Finals (1999-2003, 2015, and 2019), three ICC Champions Trophy Finals (2006), 2004-2006, and 2013, and four ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Finals (2007), 2016, 2016 and 2021.
“Ranjan has been an invaluable asset throughout the years, and a substantial source of inspiration to others.
His experience and hard work have been a great help to us.He is someone we can always turn to for advice.Ranjan has been a great servant to the game.I want to thank him and congratulate his amazing career.Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Management – Referees and Umpires said that we hope to benefit from Ranjan’s expertise over the next few years.
It is hard to even think about 200 Test matches against you, and then be on duty for so many years.
This is a remarkable statistic and shows Ranjan’s passion for cricket.Ranjan is an Five Star General in the field of serving the game.
Jeff Crowe, Elite Panel Match Referee, congratulated Ranjan for reaching this milestone.
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