The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Ranjan Madugalle for becoming the first match referee to officiate in 400 men’s ODIs. Madugalle, the longest-serving member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, reached this milestone during the third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo on Wednesday. To commemorate the achievement, he was presented with a plaque by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO Ashley de Silva on behalf of SLC and the ICC.
Madugalle, a former stylish batter who played 21 Tests and 63 ODIs for Sri Lanka, also holds the record for refereeing 216 men’s Test matches, 163 men’s T20Is, 14 women’s ODIs, and eight women’s T20Is.
Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager of Umpires and Referees, praised Madugalle for his dedication and longevity in the role.
“Ranjan’s portfolio of refereeing assignments is vast, and reaching 400 ODIs is incredible,” said Easey. “His work reflects his passion for cricket and his role. On behalf of the ICC, I thank Ranjan for his hard work and wish him all the best for this match and beyond.”
Madugalle expressed his gratitude and surprise at the length of his career.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to officiate in international cricket for so many years. I never imagined reaching this milestone,” Madugalle said. “I was thrilled to stay connected to the game after my playing days, but I never thought it would span over three decades! I have enjoyed officiating around the world and in several World Cups, savoring every moment.”
“I would like to thank the ICC, Sri Lanka Cricket, and my colleagues for their support and friendship over the years. I also extend my gratitude to my family and friends, without whom this journey would not have been possible.”
Ranjan Madugalle: Career Highlights
- Played 21 Tests and 63 ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1979 and 1988, including the country’s first-ever Test Match and three World Cups (1979, 1983, and 1987).
- Scored 1,029 Test runs, including one century, and added 950 runs in ODI cricket.
- First appointed as an ICC Match Referee in December 1993 for the Test Match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in Karachi.
- First ODI appointment later that month between the same teams at the same venue.
- Holds the longest career as an ICC Match Referee, spanning 31 years.
- Has refereed a record 216 men’s Test Matches and now 400 men’s One Day Internationals, as well as 163 men’s T20 Internationals.
- Served as Match Referee for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Finals in 1999, 2003, 2015, and 2019, and officiated in a total of seven World Cups.
- Match Referee for the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004, 2006, and 2013, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups of 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2021.
- Also refereed 14 women’s ODI matches and eight women’s T20 Internationals.
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