International cricket umpire and former Sri Lanka first-class cricketer Ruchira Palliyaguruge has officially retired from officiating in all formats of the game, bringing an end to a distinguished career that spanned over 16 years at the highest level.
A respected member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, Palliyaguruge recently reached a significant milestone by officiating in his 100th One Day International. Over the course of his career, he stood in nine Test matches, 56 Twenty20 Internationals, 14 Women’s One Day Internationals, and five Women’s T20 Internationals, earning widespread recognition for his consistency and professionalism.
International Career Highlights
Palliyaguruge made his international umpiring debut in 2011 at Sooriyawewa, during Sri Lanka’s bilateral ODI series against Australia. From there, his career steadily progressed, leading to appointments at several major global tournaments conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
His notable assignments include officiating at the ICC Cricket World Cups in 2015 and 2019, the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup, and standing in the final of the 2016 Asia Cup—a testament to the trust placed in him on cricket’s biggest stages.
From Player to Umpire
An old boy of St. Servatius’ College, Matara, the 57-year-old represented Bloomfield, Chilaw Marians, Saracens, Nondescripts Cricket Club, and Old Cambrians Sports Club during his playing career. A right-handed batsman and right-arm pacer, Palliyaguruge later transitioned into umpiring, beginning at school and domestic level before earning promotion to the international panel—an achievement that brought pride to Sri Lanka cricket.
Throughout his career, he served both as an on-field umpire and television umpire, adapting seamlessly to the evolving demands of the modern game.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on his journey, Palliyaguruge expressed satisfaction with his contributions to cricket.
“I believe I have achieved my best in umpiring during these 16 years, and I have already informed Sri Lanka Cricket of my retirement. I hope to continue officiating in school cricket to share my experience and knowledge with younger umpires. My retirement will also create an opportunity for another young umpire to progress to the highest level,” he said.
He also extended his gratitude to fellow umpires, officials, and supporters, acknowledging that while umpiring is a demanding role, it was one he thoroughly enjoyed.
A Lasting Contribution
Ruchira Palliyaguruge’s retirement marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan umpiring. His journey from domestic cricket to the world’s biggest stages stands as an inspiration for aspiring umpires, and his continued involvement at grassroots level ensures his legacy will live on.
Ruchira Palliyaguruge Retires from International Umpiring
International cricket umpire and former Sri Lanka first-class cricketer Ruchira Palliyaguruge has officially retired from officiating in all formats of the game, bringing an end to a distinguished 16-year career at the international level.
A respected member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, Palliyaguruge recently completed officiating in his 100th One Day International. Over the course of his career, he stood in nine Test matches, 56 Twenty20 Internationals, 14 Women’s One Day Internationals and five Women’s T20 Internationals.
International Career Highlights
Palliyaguruge made his international umpiring debut in 2011 at Sooriyawewa during Sri Lanka’s bilateral ODI series against Australia. Since then, he has officiated at numerous tournaments conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
His major appointments include the ICC Cricket World Cups in 2015 and 2019, the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup, and officiating in the final of the 2016 Asia Cup.
From Player to Umpire
An old boy of St. Servatius’ College, Matara, the 57-year-old represented Bloomfield, Chilaw Marians, Saracens, Nondescripts Cricket Club and Old Cambrians Sports Club during his playing career. A right-handed batsman and right-arm pacer, he later transitioned into umpiring, starting at school and domestic level before earning promotion to the ICC international panel.
During his career, Palliyaguruge served both as an on-field umpire and a television umpire, adapting to the evolving demands of modern cricket.
Looking Ahead
“I believe I have achieved my best in umpiring during these 16 years, and I have already informed Sri Lanka Cricket of my retirement. I hope to continue officiating in school cricket to share my experience and knowledge with younger umpires. My retirement will also create an opportunity for another young umpire to progress to the highest level.”
Palliyaguruge also thanked his colleagues and supporters, acknowledging that while umpiring is a demanding role, it was one he thoroughly enjoyed throughout his journey.
A Lasting Contribution
Ruchira Palliyaguruge’s retirement marks the end of an important chapter in Sri Lankan cricket umpiring. His dedication and professionalism have left a lasting impact on the game, and his continued involvement at grassroots level will help inspire the next generation of umpires.