Ranjan Madugalle has officiated 400 Men’s ODI matches, making history on Wednesday by officiating the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Before the third ODI began, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva presented him with a plaque on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), to which captains Rohit Sharma and Charith Asalanka expressed their admiration for reaching this significant milestone. Madugalle has served as an ICC Match Referee for the longest period of time in the history of the sport, with 31 years.
“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,” said Madugalle in an ICC statement.
Madugalle represented Sri Lanka in three ODI World Cups (1979, 1983, and 1987) and in 21 Tests and 63 ODIs (1979–1988), including the first-ever Test match for his nation. He amassed 1,029 runs in Test cricket, including a century, and another 950 runs in One-Day Internationals.
In a record 216 Men’s Test matches, 163 Men’s Twenty20 Internationals, 14 Women’s ODIs, and eight Women’s T20Is, Madugalle has officiated matches. He officiated in seven Men’s ODI World Cups, including four finals, and also held the position of Chief Match Referee for the ICC. In addition, Madugalle officiated matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2021 as well as the ICC Champions Trophy finals in 2004, 2006, and 2013.
Madugalle was commended by Sean Easey, Senior Manager of Umpires and Referees at the ICC, for accomplishing this significant feat. “Ranjan has a vast portfolio of refereeing assignments, and his most recent 400 ODI milestone is really amazing. His work output speaks everything about his level of passion for cricket and his part in it. “I thank Ranjan for his hard work on behalf of the ICC and wish him the best of luck in this match and beyond,” he said in closing.