Umpire Kumar Dharmasena and Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle: don’t they count?
View(s):When so much is being written about our cricket these days – not all of them pleasant either – it is indeed depressing to note that nothing gets mentioned about the achievements of the two mentioned above. They undeniably merit praise.
Their present ranks are ICC appointments and therefore of world class. More importantly they perform challenging tasks closely watched by both fans and authorities. Even the slightest mistake or gaffe will cost them their position.
This being the set up it is really creditable that both have retained their positions for so many years. That KD officiated as one umpire in the Final of the ODI World Cup 2015 is a unique honour for Sri Lanka.
Another personal distinction is they have no sponsors or patterns: they had to fight their way to the top on their own steam but, however, bring credit to the whole country. This being so it is not understood how such a commendable accomplishment came to be totally ignored; especially when so much written are nearly all on some scandal or other.
It would be some consolation to read, even so lately, about these achievers instead of the (now routine) much raking. For years thinks like team selection, controlling/administration bodies, players’ choice of games (Tests, ODIs or T20s) and countries they prefer have become stables in sports (Cricket especially) writing. A change will be in line with this Gentlemen’s Game.
M.Z. Abdeen
Kandy