#2 Kumar Dharmasena
Handunnettige Deepthi Priyantha Kumar Dharmasena, also known as Kumar Dharmasena is currently one of the world’s most well-respected umpire. He has been a part of the ICC Elite Umpire panel for many years now and due to his skilful umpiring, he was named as the ICC Umpire of the Year in 2012. He umpired the final of the recently concluded ICC World Cup which took place in Australia last year.
Like many other umpires, Dharmasena started off his career as a player for the Sri Lankan cricket team in both formats, making his test debut in 1993 and ODI debut in 1994. Dharmasena was a key part of the Sri Lankan squad for a career which spanned over 13 years and was a part of the famous World Cup winning side of 1996. Having being known for his unique action while bowling his right arm off break, he also proved to be useful with the bat.
After retiring as a player in 2006, Dharmasena took to umpiring as he wished to remain close to the game which he loved dearly. Since he already had some experience umpiring matches at the domestic level before his retirement, he was given his first official cap as an umpire at the early age of 38 in 2009. His debut match was the ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla.
He will always be remembered for the famous decision he made in the recently concluded ICC T-20 World Cup final between West Indies and England. During the tense affair between the 2 sides, he decided to go to the third umpire for a catch in the 7th over.
The catch which was taken by Jos Butler to dismiss Marlon Samuels looked out to everyone, except Dharmasena. Samuels – who was batting at 26 at that time would have been given out until he was called back after replays proved that the catch was not legitimate. This led to Samuels playing a match winning innings and leading the West Indies to victory.
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