Dubai, Sept.15: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced that former Sri Lankan cricketer Roshan Mahanama will step down from the elite panel of ICC match referees at the end of the year.
Confirming the news, Mahanama said, “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 admitted that his time has come to devote an uninterrupted focus and attention to his family, who made sacrifices over the years to enable him to pursue his career.
“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,” the Sri Lankan added.
The 49-year-old also thanked the ICC and Sri Lanka Cricket for providing him with the opportunity to be involved in almost 600 internationals of the game.
Mahanama joined the elite panel in 2004 and has refereed in 58 Tests, 222 ODIs and 35 T20Is to date, including refereeing in three ICC Cricket World Cups and the ICC Champions Trophy 2009.
ANI