ICC congratulates Madugalle on 400th ODI as Match Referee

Thursday, 8 August 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ranjan Madugalle (right) receives plaque on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket and ICC from SLC CEO Ashley de Silva

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Ranjan Madugalle on becoming the first Match Referee to officiate in 400 Men’s ODIs.

Madugalle, the longest-serving member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, reached the landmark in the third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and India at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

To mark the achievement, he was presented with a plaque on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the ICC by SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.

Madugalle, a stylish batter who played 21 Tests and 63 ODIs for Sri Lanka, has also refereed in a record 216 Men’s Test matches, 163 Men’s T20Is, 14 Women’s ODIs and eight Women’s T20Is.

ICC Senior Manager of Umpires and Referees Sean Easey praised Madugalle for reaching this milestone in his career that has already spanned over three decades,

“Ranjan’s portfolio of refereeing assignments is large and this latest mark of 400 ODIs is quite incredible.”

“The sheer volume of his work reflects the kind of passion he has for cricket and his role. On behalf of the ICC, I thank Ranjan for his hard work and wish him all the best for this match and beyond.”

Madugalle said he had enjoyed officiating in matches the world over and he never thought he would have such a long career as a match official.

“It has been a great honour and privilege to have officiated in international cricket for so many years and it’s almost dreamlike to be reaching this milestone. I was pleased when I got the opportunity to be associated with the game after my time as a cricketer but never thought that it would stretch to over three decades,” said Madugalle.

“During this period, I have had the chance to officiate all over the world and in several World Cups, relishing every moment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ICC, Sri Lanka Cricket and my colleagues with whom I have worked over the years for their support and friendship, as well as my family and friends, without whose support it would not have been possible to have come this far.”