Roshan Mahanama became the latest member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees to reach the 200-mark in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) when he took the field to officiate in the first ODI between New Zealand and South Africa in Mount Maunganui today.
A former captain and member of the Sri Lanka squad that won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, Mahanama represented his country in 52 Tests and 213 ODIs between 1986 and 1999, in which he scored 2,576 and 5,162 runs, respectively.
Following his retirement from international cricket in 1999, the Colombo-born cricketer made the transition to refereeing and marked his debut in the ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh in Kingstown 2004. In the same series, he made his Test debut and to date, he has refereed in 54 Tests.
Commenting on the milestone, Mahanama said: "I am delighted to reach this milestone and am extremely proud to do so. After playing for 14 years for my country, it is an honour for me to be involved with the governing body of the game I so passionately love. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10 years as a match referee - a position that has taken me across the globe and has given me an opportunity to remain involved in the sport that has given me so much in various ways.
"I would like to pay tribute to the staff at the ICC for their support and encouragement over the years, and would also pay a special tribute to my fellow match officials who work extremely hard to ensure that the highest standards of the game are being maintained in all three formats of the game.
"I would also especially like to thank my parents, my wife Geeva and our three daughters for the encouragement they have given me and for their love and support over the years."
ICC's Senior Umpires & Referees Manager, Vince Van Der Bijl, congratulated Mahanama and said: "It is with great pleasure that we welcome Roshan to the ranks of the double centurions for ODI officiating. He has such a passion for the game and its smooth running. Roshan is one the most meticulous match referees renowned for his thoroughness and detailed preparation. Thanks for your years of exceptional service, Roshan.
