Ranjan Madugalle of Sri Lanka is become the first match referee to officiate 400 One Day Internationals (ODIs). On August 7, 2024, during the third One-Day International between India and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, this accomplishment was accomplished. In the decisive match, India defeated Sri Lanka 1-0, with the home team winning.
After an extraordinary three decades in cricket administration, Madugalle started his career as a match referee in 1993.
Not only is he a master in One-Day Internationals, but in his storied career, he has refereed over 200 Test matches. CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket Ashley de Silva presented a plaque to commemorate this amazing accomplishment on behalf of the ICC.
Ranjan Madugalle becomes the first match referee to officiate 400 ODIs 🤩#SLvIND | 📸: @OfficialSLC pic.twitter.com/8QQvfvAwXf
— ICC (@ICC) August 7, 2024
Ranjan’s longevity is astounding: Taufel Simon
Madugalle brought a plethora of on-field expertise to his officiating duties since he played for Sri Lanka in 21 Tests and 63 ODIs before to becoming a referee. Madugalle’s longevity and integrity were commended by esteemed former elite panel umpire Simon Taufel.
“It’s amazing how long Ranjan has lived. He was there both when my career as an international umpire started and ended. He has distinguished and upheld the integrity of Sri Lanka, the ICC, and the game of cricket. This accomplishment shows how committed and dedicated he is to the sport he loves. According to ESPNcricinfo, Taufel stated, “I hope he and the umpires have a successful match.
🎉 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
Throughout his career, Madugalle oversaw all three finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup from 1996 to 2019.
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Leading a distinguished group of match referees is the 65-year-old, who is followed by well-known figures like Javagal Srinath, Jeff Crowe, and Chris Broad.