At Khettarama, Ranjan Madugalle officiated the third One-Day International (ODI) between India and Sri Lanka, making history as the first match referee to officiate 400 series.
Since 1993, Madugalle has refereed more than 200 Test matches, setting a record in the process. Until that role was eliminated, he had additionally worked as the head match referee for the ICC.
Madugalle was honored by Simon Taufel, a former elite-panel umpire and the ICC’s manager of umpire performance and training.
Taufel remarked, “Ranjan’s longevity is remarkable.” “He was present both at the start and the finish of my international umpiring career. With honor and honesty, he has served Sri Lanka, the ICC, and the game of cricket. This accomplishment demonstrates his love and devotion to the sport he plays.”
Madugalle described reaching this milestone as “dreamlike” in an ICC statement. “Officiating in international cricket for so long has been a huge honor and privilege, and attaining this milestone seems almost surreal.
“I was happy to have the chance to be involved with the sport after playing cricket, but I never imagined that it would go for more than thirty years!
I have had the opportunity to officiate in many World Cups and across the world during this time, and I have loved every minute of it.
“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.”
Madugalle was a hitter for Sri Lanka for 21 Tests and 63 ODIs before focusing on overseeing matches.
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