Ranjan Madugalle becomes the first match referee to officiate 400 ODI as he takes charge of the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at R.Premadasa Stadium.
Madugalle has been a match referee since 1993 and has also officiated more than 200 tests and served as the ICC’s chief match referee until that position was removed.
Simon Taufel, former elite-panel umpire and the former umpire performance and training manager for the ICC paid tribute to Madugalle.
🎉 Congratulations to Mr. Ranjan Madugalle on his 4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th ODI as a match referee! 🎉
On behalf of the @ICC , Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva presented a plaque to commemorate this incredible milestone. pic.twitter.com/S5liFJJ4ES
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 7, 2024
“Ranjan’s longevity is remarkable,” Taufel said. “He was there at the beginning of my international umpiring career and the end. He has served Sri Lanka, the ICC, and the game of cricket with distinction and integrity. This milestone highlights his commitment and dedication to the sport he loves. I wish him and the umpires a successful match.”
Before his umpire career, Madugalle had played 21 tests and 63 ODIs for Sri Lanka as a batter. The 65-year-old Madugalle tops the all-time match referee ODI list, followed by England’s Chris Broad, Kiwi Jeff Crowe, Javagal Srinath of India, Zimbabwe’s Andy Pycroft, fellow Sri Lanka Roshan Mahanama and Australian David Boon.
