Cricket: Roshan Mahanama steps down as ICC match referee

Roshan Mahanama stood down as an International Cricket Council (ICC) Match Referee on Sunday after the historic day/night Test match between New Zealand and Australia in Adelaide.

Mahanama, who joined the ICC as a match official in 2004 has refereed 58 Tests, 222 ODIs and 35 Twenty20s Internationals. 

Famous among Sri Lankans for his electric catches and known to be safe fielder during his international career, Mahanama also had a brief stint as Sri Lanka ‘A’ coach. 

“This has been an extremely difficult decision as I am very passionate about cricket, which has been an integral part of my life for over 40 years as a cricketer, coach and ICC match referee,” Mahanama had told international media.

“However, in life a time comes when one has to keep moving forward based on obligations and priorities. My time has come to devote an uninterrupted focus and attention to my family, who made massive sacrifices over the years to enable me to pursue my career for over three decades.”

“The journey for almost 12 years as an ICC match referee has been amazing and something for me to reflect upon with pride and satisfaction. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some outstanding professionals, refereed at some great matches and visited some incredible places along the way,” he had stated.

Mahanama, now 49, represented Sri Lanka in 52 Tests and 213 ODIs from 1986 to 1999 while turning out for his country at four ICC Cricket World Cups. 

He was a member of the Sri Lanka side won the ICC World Cup in 1996.