Ranjan Madugalle Completes 200 Test Matches As Match Referee; Becomes First To Do So

ICC Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle became the first-ever match referee to officiate in 200 Test matches. He achieved the feat on Sunday when he was named as the official in the first Test match between Sri Lanka and West Indies.

Madugalle was appointed by ICC as the referee for the first time in 1993. He is often seen in major ICC tournaments, and his resume includes officiating in four ODI World Cups (1999, 2003, 2015, 2019), four T20 World Cups (2007, 2010, 2016, 2021) and three Champions Trophies (2004, 2006, 2013).

Speaking about the decorated match official, the ICC Senior Manager, Adrian Griffith, said:

“Ranjan has been a tremendous asset over the years and a significant source of inspiration for others. We have benefitted from his experience and work ethic, as someone you can turn to for guidance. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to thank Ranjan for his years of service to the game and congratulate him on a wonderful career. We hope to continue benefiting from his expertise in the years to come.“

“I have enjoyed every bit of the journey” – Ranjan Madugalle

Speaking of his achievement, Ranjan Madugalle expressed satisfaction and happiness. He has been involved closely with the sport he loves, which has helped him enjoy the journey throughout.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be officiating in my 200th Test match, for it is not a milestone I had never imagined I would reach. Whilst it has taken a long time, it seems just the other day that I had taken on this role, because I have enjoyed every bit of the journey. This is obviously what dreams are made of and I continue to be passionately involved with the game and in my role while liaising with my colleagues from the world over.“

“The passion obviously comes from my time as a player and it is my good fortune to have remained connected so closely with the game. I thank the International Cricket Council, Sri Lanka Cricket, and all my colleagues over the years for all their help. My thanks are also due to my family and friends, without whose support it would not have been possible to have come this far,” Madugalle added.

Madugalle is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who played 21 Tests and 63 ODIs for the national side.

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