Handunnettige Deepthi Priyantha Kumar Dharmasena, popularly known as Kumar Dharmasena, is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and an accomplished international cricket umpire. Born on April 24, 1971, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dharmasena’s career spanned over two decades, during which he made significant contributions to Sri Lankan cricket.
Dharmasena burst onto the international cricket scene in 1994 at the age of 22, making his debut against South Africa. Known for his accurate offspin deliveries, bowled with a slightly unorthodox action, he quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan cricket team. His ability to deceive batsmen and maintain discipline in line and length proved to be highly effective, especially in the challenging conditions of his home country.
As his career progressed, Dharmasena showcased his skills not only as a bowler but also as a competent middle-order batsman. This additional capability secured his position in the Sri Lankan one-day squad, enabling him to contribute with both ball and bat. However, his progress hit a snag in 1998 after the Oval Test, when the International Cricket Council (ICC) questioned the legality of his bowling action.
Dharmasena faced a setback when his bowling action was scrutinized by the ICC, but he remained undeterred. After thorough investigation and remedial work, he was cleared to play again by the Sri Lankan cricket board in July 2000. Following his comeback, Dharmasena enjoyed frequent appearances in the one-day team, particularly in home matches. However, his opportunities in Test cricket remained sporadic.
In November 2006, after a successful and eventful playing career, Dharmasena decided to hang up his boots and focus on a new role in cricket – umpiring. With his deep understanding of the game, keen eye for detail, and excellent judgment, he seamlessly transitioned into the realm of umpiring. In 2009, Dharmasena made his international umpiring debut, and his career as an umpire began to flourish.
Recognizing his talent and dedication, Dharmasena was included in the panel of 18 umpires selected for the prestigious World Cup held in India in 2011. His umpiring skills were on display during the tournament opener between Bangladesh and India in Mirpur, which further solidified his reputation as a competent umpire. Later the same year, he received a promotion and was selected to join the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, an esteemed group comprised of the world’s best umpires.
Throughout his playing and umpiring career, Dharmasena has always been highly regarded for his professionalism, integrity, and fair decision-making. His wealth of experience as a cricketer has allowed him to bring a unique perspective to his umpiring, ensuring the highest standards in the game. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to handle pressure situations with composure, Dharmasena has become a trusted figure in international cricket.
As of his retirement, Kumar Dharmasena has added immense value to Sri Lankan cricket both as a player and as an umpire. With his exceptional understanding of the game, unwavering commitment, and tremendous contributions, he has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sport.
