SL vs IND: Ranjan Madugalle becomes first match referee to officiate 400 ODIs

Ranjan Madugalle officiated all three ODIs in the ongoing SL vs IND ODI series.

On August 7, Wednesday, Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle achieved an unprecedented landmark by becoming the first match referee to officiate 400 ODIs. He got to this milestone when the third SL vs IND ODI got underway at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Madugalle’s playing career concluded in 1990 and he made his debut as a match referee in 1993. He has officiated over 200 test matches as well and holds the record in the longest format too.

Ranjan Madugalle’s longevity is remarkable: Simon Taufel

Madugalle has had a career of more than three decades as a match referee. He earned praise from former umpire Simon Taufel, who is considered one of the best umpires the game has seen.

Taufel was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo, “Ranjan’s longevity is remarkable. He was there at the beginning of my international umpiring career and the end. He has served Sri Lanka, the ICC and 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.”

After becoming first ever match referee to officiate 400 ODI matches, Ranjan Madugalle said it’s a great honour and privilege for him to have officiated in international cricket for so many years.

“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 Ranjan

“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,” he concluded.

Madugalle was a right-handed batter for Sri Lanka. He featured in 21 tests and 63 ODIs from 1979 to 1988. He managed one Test hundred.

Speaking about the SL vs IND 3rd ODI, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat first.

Teams:

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Shreyas Iyer, Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando

The hosts lead the series 1-0.

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