Arjuna Ranatunga
{{Short description|Sri Lankan cricketer and politician}}
{{Use Sri Lankan English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|honorific-prefix = Hon. Deshamanya
|name = Arjuna Ranatunga
|honorific-suffix = MP
|image = Arjuna Ranatunga.jpg
|caption = Ranatunga in 2017
|office = Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation
|order =
|president = Maithripala Sirisena
|primeminister = Ranil Wickremesinghe
|term_start = 20 December 2018
|term_end = 21 November 2019
|predecessor = Nimal Siripala de Silva
|successor = Mahinda Amaraweera
|office1 = Ministry of Petroleum Resources Development
|order1 =
|president1 = Maithripala Sirisena
|primeminister1 = Ranil Wickremesinghe
|term_start1 = 22 May 2017
|term_end1 = 26 October 2018
|predecessor1 = Chandima Weerakkody
|successor1 = Kabir Hashim
|office2 = Minister of Ports & Shipping
|order2 =
|president2 = Maithripala Sirisena
|primeminister2 = Ranil Wickremesinghe
|term_start2 = 12 January 2015
|term_end2 = 22 May 2017
|predecessor2 = Mahinda Rajapaksa
|successor2 = Mahinda Samarasinghe
|office3 = Deputy Minister of Tourism
|order3 =
|president3 = Mahinda Rajapaksa
|primeminister3 = Ratnasiri Wickremanayake
|term_start3 = 2005
|term_end3 = 2008
|constituency_MP4 = Gampaha District
|parliament4 = Sri Lanka
|term_start4 = 2015
|term_end4 = 2020
|constituency_MP5 = Kalutara District
|parliament5 = Sri Lanka
|term_start5 = 2010
|term_end5 = 2015
|constituency_MP6 = Colombo District
|parliament6 = Sri Lanka
|term_start6 = 2001
|term_end6 = 2010
|office7 = President of Sri Lanka Cricket
|order7 =
|term_start7 = 2008
|term_end7 = 2009
|term_start8 = 6 November 2023
|term_end8. =
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1963|12|01}}
|birth_place = Gampaha, Ceylon
(now in Sri Lanka)
|nationality = Sri Lankan
|party = Democratic National Movement{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first =Dasun|title=DNM demands vacant UNP seat|newspaper=The Island|date=21 January 2016|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=138992|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307034214/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=138992|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Gooneratne|first=Lankesh|title=Ekanayake scotches rumours|newspaper=Ceylon Today|date=2 February 2016|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-116880-news-detail-ekanayake-scotches-rumours.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607144930/https://ceylontoday.lk/51-116880-news-detail-ekanayake-scotches-rumours.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 June 2020|access-date=16 March 2016}}
(2015– present)
Sri Lanka Freedom Party
(2001 - 2010, 2015)
Democratic National Alliance
(2010 - 2015)
|otherparty = United National Front for Good Governance
(2015– present)
United People's Freedom Alliance
(2004–2010,2015)
People's Alliance
(2001–2004)
|alma_mater = Ananda College Colombo
|occupation = Politician, Cricketer
| module = {{Infobox cricketer
|embed = yes
|nickname = Captain Cool
|heightm = 1.73
|batting = Left-handed
|bowling = Right-arm medium
|role = Batsman
|international = true
|country = Sri Lanka
|internationalspan = 1982–2000
|testdebutdate = 17 February
|testdebutyear = 1982
|testdebutagainst = England
|testcap = 9
|lasttestdate = 6 August
|lasttestyear = 2000
|lasttestagainst = South Africa
|odidebutdate = 14 February
|odidebutyear = 1982
|odidebutagainst = England
|odicap = 24
|lastodidate = 30 May
|lastodiyear = 1999
|lastodiagainst = Kenya
|club1 = Sinhalese Sports Club
|year1 = 1982–2001
|columns = 4
|column1 = Test
|column2 = ODI
|matches1 = 93
|matches2 = 269
|runs1 = 5,105
|runs2 = 7,456
|bat avg1 = 35.69
|bat avg2 = 35.84
|100s/50s1 = 4/38
|100s/50s2 = 4/49
|top score1 = 135*
|top score2 = 131*
|deliveries1 = 2,120
|deliveries2 = 4,710
|wickets1 = 16
|wickets2 = 79
|bowl avg1 = 65.00
|bowl avg2 = 47.55
|fivefor1 = 0
|fivefor2 = 0
|tenfor1 = 0
|tenfor2 = 0
|best bowling1 = 2/20
|best bowling2 = 4/14
|catches/stumpings1 = 47/–
|catches/stumpings2 = 63/–
| column3 = FC
| matches3 = 205
| runs3 = 11,641
| bat avg3 = 44.26
| 100s/50s3 = 25/63
| top score3 = 238*
| deliveries3 = 7,096
| wickets3 = 94
| bowl avg3 = 32.81
| fivefor3 = 2
| tenfor3 = 0
| best bowling3 = 5/45
| catches/stumpings3 = 108/–
| column4 = LA
| matches4 = 307
| runs4 = 8,491
| bat avg4 = 35.82
| 100s/50s4 = 4/55
| top score4 = 131*
| deliveries4 = 4,255
| wickets4 = 98
| bowl avg4 = 43.41
| fivefor4 = 0
| tenfor4 = 0
| best bowling4 = 4/14
| catches/stumpings4 = 78/–
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport|Men's Cricket}}
{{MedalCountry|{{SRI}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|ICC Cricket World Cup}}
{{Medal|W|1996 India-Pakistan-Sri Lanka|}}
|source = http://content.cricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/50244.html Cricinfo
|date = 8 September
|year = 2015
}}
}}
Deshamanya Arjuna Ranatunga ({{langx|si|අර්ජුන රණතුංග}}; {{langx|ta|அர்ஜூன ரணதுங்க}}; born 1 December 1963), is a Sri Lankan politician and former cricketer, who was the 1996 Cricket World Cup winning captain for Sri Lanka, and scored the winning boundary in the final.{{cite news|last=Wijesekera|first=Bernie|url=https://sundaytimes.lk/051009/sports/3.html|title=Sports|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=15 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715222323/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/051009/sports/3.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Arjuna Ranatunga|url=https://m.cricbuzz.com/profiles/3517/arjuna-ranatunga|access-date=1 December 2022|website=Cricbuzz|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182916/https://m.cricbuzz.com/profiles/3517/arjuna-ranatunga|url-status=live}} He is regarded as the pioneer who lifted the Sri Lankan cricket team from underdog status to a leading force in the cricketing world.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1087120/arjuna-versus|title=Arjuna versus|magazine=The Cricket Monthly|date=April 2017|access-date=24 August 2017|archive-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823205630/http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1087120/arjuna-versus|url-status=live}}
After retirement, he worked in many posts of Sri Lanka Cricket administration.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-appointed-head-of-sri-lanka-cricket-328293|title=Ranatunga appointed head of Sri Lanka Cricket|last=Thawfeeq|first=Sa'adi|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=31 December 2007|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903030420/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-appointed-head-of-sri-lanka-cricket-328293|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Arjuna Ranatunga to run for SLC vice-president|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arjuna-ranatunga-to-run-for-slc-vice-president-948861|last1=Thawfeeq|first1=Sa'adi|last2=Fernando|first2=Andrew|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=6 December 2015|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arjuna-ranatunga-to-run-for-slc-vice-president-948861|url-status=live}} By entering his father's stream of politics, Ranatunga started his political career in 2005, and is now the former cabinet Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.{{cite news|date=20 December 2018|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Full-list-of-Cabinet-ministers-160073.html|title=Full list of Cabinet ministers|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626054226/https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Full-list-of-Cabinet-ministers-160073.html|url-status=live}}
Upon retirement from playing cricket he entered politics, joining the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and entered parliament, from Colombo District, in the 2001 elections.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/where-are-rangana-herath-s-team-mates-from-his-1999-test-debut-1164163|last=Brar|first=Hermant|title=Where are Herath's team-mates from his 1999 Test debut?|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=5 November 2018|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=26 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926181211/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/where-are-rangana-herath-s-team-mates-from-his-1999-test-debut-1164163|url-status=live}} He served a tenure as deputy minister for tourism, and also served as the president of Sri Lanka Cricket until December 2008.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/sri_lanka/7166208.stm|publisher=BBC News|title=Ranatunga takes up Sri Lanka post|date=2 January 2008|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403213126/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/sri_lanka/7166208.stm|url-status=live}} He joined the Democratic National Alliance in 2010 and contested the 2010 elections. In January 2021, he revealed that he would distance himself from the United National Party and would not take part in party activities in the future.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/01/23/political/239642/arjuna-walks-away-unp-politics|access-date=1 December 2022|work=Daily News|last=Abeysinghe|first=Shiromi|title=Arjuna walks away from UNP politics|date=23 January 2021|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/01/23/political/239642/arjuna-walks-away-unp-politics|url-status=live}}
He was also known for nurturing young cricket talents including the likes of Praveen Jayawickrama in their young days to take up the sport of cricket seriously.{{cite news|date=5 May 2021|title=How Arjuna spotted and nurtured Praveen Jayawickrama|work=The Island|url=https://island.lk/how-arjuna-spotted-and-nurtured-praveen-jayawickramas-talent/|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=28 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128101051/https://island.lk/how-arjuna-spotted-and-nurtured-praveen-jayawickramas-talent/|url-status=live}} He was recently appointed the interim head of the Sri Lanka Cricket after the Sri Lankan government suspended the Sri Lanka Cricket Board after their loss to Indian Cricket Team in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://crictoday.com/cricket/news/sri-lanka-cricket-board-suspended-after-world-cup-debacle-arjuna-ranatunga-to-head-interim-cricket-committee/|last=Ranatunga|first=Arjuna|title=Sri Lanka cricket board suspended after World Cup debacle, Arjuna Ranatunga to head interim cricket committee|website=crictoday|date=6 November 2023|access-date=6 November 2023}}
Personal life
Arjuna Ranatunga is the son of Reggie Padmasena Ranatunga, the third Governor of Sabaragamuwa, serving between June 2005 and February 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Sri_Lanka_prov.html|title=Sri Lankan Provinces from 1988|publisher=WorldStatesmen.org|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=1 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101090707/https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Sri_Lanka_prov.html|url-status=live}} His mother Nandani Ranatunga is a retired teacher.{{cite web|title=The mother who endured like the earth and lit a world|url=http://www.silumina.lk/2021/05/08/%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%B3%E0%B7%94%E0%B6%B1/%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%9C%E0%B7%85%E0%B7%9C%E0%B7%80-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%AF%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8F%C2%AD%E0%B6%9C%E0%B7%99%E0%B6%B1-%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%9D%E0%B6%9A%C2%AD%E0%B6%BA%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8A-%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%84%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8A-%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%85-%E0%B6%85%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8F|date=15 May 2021|access-date=1 December 2022|website=Silumina|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509144718/http://www.silumina.lk/2021/05/08/%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%83%E0%B6%B3%E0%B7%94%E0%B6%B1/%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%9C%E0%B7%85%E0%B7%9C%E0%B7%80-%E0%B7%83%E0%B7%9A-%E0%B6%AF%E0%B6%BB%E0%B7%8F%C2%AD%E0%B6%9C%E0%B7%99%E0%B6%B1-%E0%B6%BD%E0%B7%9D%E0%B6%9A%C2%AD%E0%B6%BA%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%8A-%E0%B6%B4%E0%B7%84%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8A-%E0%B6%9A%E0%B7%85-%E0%B6%85%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%B8%E0%B7%8F|url-status=live}} He has five siblings; cricketer Sanjeeva Ranatunga, along with Dammika Ranatunga, Nishantha Ranatunga, Prasanna Ranatunga, and Ruwan Ranatunga.{{cite web|url=http://www.slelections.gov.lk/pdf/Results_1989%20GENERAL%20ELECTION.PDF|title=Result of Parliamentary General Election 1989|publisher=Department of Elections, Sri Lanka|access-date=6 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090304101343/http://www.slelections.gov.lk/pdf/Results_1989%20GENERAL%20ELECTION.PDF|archive-date=4 March 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2001/nov/02lanka.htm|title=Former Lankan minister held in murder case|website=Rediff.com|date=2 November 2001|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=20 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920071819/https://www.rediff.com/news/2001/nov/02lanka.htm|url-status=live}} He was born on 1 December 1963 in Gampaha near Colombo. He has a son Dhyan Ranatunga who is also a cricketer who currently lives in United States and in 2021, he was also signed to play for Minor League Cricket tournament in the USA.{{cite web|title=Dhyan Ranatunga profile and biography, stats, records, averages, photos and videos|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/dhyan-ranatunga-364996|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626054242/https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/dhyan-ranatunga-364996|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title="Junior Ranatunga" among 8 Sri Lankans to play in US MiLC T20|url=https://www.newswire.lk/2021/06/15/sri-lankans-to-play-in-us-milc-t20/|website=NewsWire|date=15 June 2021|access-date=1 December 2022}}{{Dead link|date=February 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
Cricket career
=Alma Mater=
Ranatunga received his education at Ananda College, which has produced many known faces in Sri Lanka. Marvan Atapattu Sidath Wettimuny, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal and Thilina Kandamby are among the players to pass out from Ananda College.{{cite web|date=2 December 2014|title=Arjuna Ranatunga: 15 facts to know about Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning captain|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/arjuna-ranatunga-15-facts-to-know-about-sri-lankas-world-cup-winning-captain-497152|author=Nishad Pai Vaidya|access-date=1 December 2022|website=Cricket Country|archive-date=3 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003104732/https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/arjuna-ranatunga-15-facts-to-know-about-sri-lankas-world-cup-winning-captain-497152|url-status=live}} He won the Observer Sri Lankan Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award on two occasions in 1980 and 1982 and became the first person to receive the award twice.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2019/01/23/sports/175201/ranatunga-two-time-winner-prestigious-award|last=Weerawansa|first=Dinesh|title=Ranatunga, two-time winner of the prestigious award|work=Daily News|date=23 January 2019|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404003630/http://www.dailynews.lk/2019/01/23/sports/175201/ranatunga-two-time-winner-prestigious-award|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=19 January 2019|title=Ranatunga: Inseparable icon of school cricket|url=http://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2019/01/20/sports/ranatunga-inseparable-icon-school-cricket|last=Weerawansa|first=Dinesh|work=Sunday Observer|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215202753/http://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2019/01/20/sports/ranatunga-inseparable-icon-school-cricket|url-status=live}}
=Junior World Cricket=
Ranatunga played for Sri Lanka under-20 against India under-20 in 1980. In his very first game, he scored 128 not out. That Indian team featured the likes of Ravi Shastri, Lalchand Rajput, Sadanand Vishwanath, Chandrakant Pandit, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan and Bharat Arun.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154396.html|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|title=Arjuna Ranatunga|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626054232/https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154396.html|url-status=live}}
=Early international career=
Arjuna Ranatunga made his test debut on 17 February 1982 against England at the age of 18 in Sri Lanka's first ever test match at the P. Sara Oval.{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs England Only Test 1981/82 - Score Report|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-sri-lanka-1981-82-61783/sri-lanka-vs-england-only-test-63307/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=29 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129063750/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-sri-lanka-1981-82-61783/sri-lanka-vs-england-only-test-63307/full-scorecard|url-status=live}} He scored 50 on test debut and also became the first Sri Lankan to score a half century in test cricket. He also shared a 99 run partnership with Ranjan Madugalle for the fourth wicket in Sri Lanka's inaugural test match.{{cite news|title=Arjuna Ranatunga cool legend|work=Daily News|url=https://www.dailynews.lk/2017/03/09/features/109805/arjuna-ranatunga-cool-legend|date=9 March 2017|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403213602/https://www.dailynews.lk/2017/03/09/features/109805/arjuna-ranatunga-cool-legend|url-status=live}} He was also working as an insurance broker in his early days of his international career.{{cite news|date=13 October 2013|title='Would have given Malinga the Pietersen treatment,' say Ranatunga|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/would-have-given-malinga-the-pietersen-treatment-say-ranatunga/article5231854.ece|access-date=1 December 2022|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/would-have-given-malinga-the-pietersen-treatment-say-ranatunga/article5231854.ece|url-status=live}} He made his debut World Cup appearance for Sri Lanka during the 1983 Cricket World Cup. He then featured in Sri Lanka's historical test match against England at Lord's in 1984 which also marked Sri Lanka's first ever test match at Lord's.{{cite web|last=Williamson|first=Martin|title=Sri Lanka's impressive Lord's debut|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-impressive-lord-s-debut-517641|date=4 June 2011|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=28 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128130100/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-impressive-lord-s-debut-517641|url-status=live}}
He along with Asanka Gurusinha became the first pair of Sri Lankan batters to bat out the entire day of a test match for Sri Lanka with an unbroken partnership of 240 runs on a wicketless final day of the match against Pakistan at the P. Sara Oval in 1986 which also eventually led to a draw.{{cite web|title=Six instances when a Sri Lanka pair batted out entire day of a Test|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/six-instances-when-a-sri-lanka-pair-batted-out-entire-day-of-a-test-1260886|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=24 April 2021|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/six-instances-when-a-sri-lanka-pair-batted-out-entire-day-of-a-test-1260886|url-status=live}} Both came on to bat on a decisive fourth day of the test match when Sri Lanka was reeling at 83/3 and the duo endured resistance against the Pakistani bowling attack with the likes of Imran Khan, Abdul Qadir and Wasim Akram.{{cite web|title=SRI LANKA v PAKISTAN 1985-86|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-v-pakistan-1985-86-151982|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=15 April 1987|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403215842/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-v-pakistan-1985-86-151982|url-status=live}} Ranatunga ended up with a career best knock of unbeaten 135 while Gurusinha remained undefeated on 116 as Sri Lanka posted 323/3 at the end of the play on Day 5.
He was a key member of the Sri Lankan side which won its maiden Asia Cup title in 1986. He also top scored for Sri Lanka in the 1986 Asia Cup final against Pakistan scoring 57 runs off just 55 balls to propel Sri Lanka to a comfortable run chase of 192 with 7.4 overs to spare.{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1985/86 - Score Report|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/john-player-gold-leaf-trophy-asia-cup-1985-86-60861/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-64284/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=6 April 1986|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=27 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127145209/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/john-player-gold-leaf-trophy-asia-cup-1985-86-60861/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-64284/full-scorecard|url-status=live}} He was also the leading run scorer of the tournament with an aggregate of 105 runs and was also adjudged as the player of the series in addition to his all-round display in the tournament taking 4 wickets.
=Captaincy=
Ranatunga went on to captain the Sri Lanka national cricket team in 1988, taking control of it for the next eleven years, transforming it from a weak, routinely defeated team into a competitive and successful unit. He propelled Sri Lanka in a massive run chase of 313 against Zimbabwe at the 1992 World Cup by scoring unbeaten 88 which also marked the first instance that a team had successfully chased down the target in excess 300 in ODI history.{{cite web|title=Ranatunga's calm prevails in an unexpected thriller|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/top-world-cup-performances-ranatunga-s-calm-prevails-in-an-unexpected-thriller-282064|last=Rajesh|first=S.|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=2 March 2007|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111190033/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/top-world-cup-performances-ranatunga-s-calm-prevails-in-an-unexpected-thriller-282064|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka 3rd Match 1991/92 - Score Report|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/benson-hedges-world-cup-1991-92-60924/sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-3rd-match-65120/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=23 February 1992|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703205917/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/65120.html|url-status=live}} Aravinda de Silva was the team captain at the 1992 World Cup.
He led the team to win the 1996 World Cup and he scored the winning runs for Sri Lanka in the final and remained unbeaten on 47.{{cite news|title=How Sri Lanka shocked the cricketing world|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/56535258|date=27 March 2021|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201215033/https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/56535258|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=19 October 2014|title=Arjuna Ranatunga: India's 1983 World Cup victory inspired Sri Lanka in 1996|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-indias-1983-world-cup-victory-inspired-sri-lanka-in-1996-200723|website=Cricket Country|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-indias-1983-world-cup-victory-inspired-sri-lanka-in-1996-200723|url-status=live}} His innovative captaincy took a Sri Lanka team, given little chance prior to the competition, for cricket's greatest prize.{{cite web|last=Mohan|first=R.|title=1996 World Cup: Sri Lanka on top of the world|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/icc-cricket-world-cup/1996-world-cup-sri-lanka-australia-ranatunga-aravinda-de-silva/article26992783.ece|website=Sportstar|date=1 May 2019|access-date=1 December 2022}} His strategies were commended by many cricketing greats and followed by their teams.{{cite web|date=29 November 2013|title=Arjuna Ranatunga: Sri Lankan team that won 1996 World Cup was most patriotic|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-sri-lankan-team-that-won-1996-world-cup-was-most-patriotic-34502|website=Cricket Country|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-sri-lankan-team-that-won-1996-world-cup-was-most-patriotic-34502|url-status=live}} He was the brain behind the strategy of scoring as many runs as possible in the first 15 overs of an ODI match in which there are field restrictions.{{cite web|date=19 April 2016|title=Arjuna Ranatunga reveals leading Sri Lanka like school principal in 1996 World Cup|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-reveals-leading-sri-lanka-like-school-principal-in-1996-world-cup-435170|website=Cricket Country|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-reveals-leading-sri-lanka-like-school-principal-in-1996-world-cup-435170|url-status=live}} This strategy was still followed by the batsmen in the Powerplays. He was widely recognised as a belligerent leader and was famous for defending his players at all costs regardless of what they did.{{cite web|title=Arjuna Ranatunga|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/arjuna-ranatunga-50244|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=15 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215130202/https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/arjuna-ranatunga-50244|url-status=live}}
He also captained Sri Lanka to triumph at the 1997 Asia Cup at home defeating India in the final to lift their second Asia Cup title and also it happened to be the first Asia Cup title for Sri Lanka since 1986 after a gap of 11 years. Ranatunga was also the top run scorer of the 1997 Asia Cup tournament with a tally of 272 runs with a remarkable average of 136 including a century and two fifties.{{cite web|title=Pepsi Asia Cup, 1997 Cricket Team Records & Stats|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=749;type=tournament|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106153131/https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=749;type=tournament|url-status=live}}
Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka secured their first ever historic test win in English soil against England and also the first ever test series win for Sri Lanka in England against England which happened to be in 1998 just two years after winning the 50 over World Cup.{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka's greatest Test victories|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-greatest-test-victories-547481|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=30 December 2011|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208031349/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-greatest-test-victories-547481|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title='The next time we visited England, they were giving us three-Test series'|url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1156553/-the-next-time-we-visited-england--they-were-giving-us-three-test-series|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|magazine=The Cricket Monthly|date=27 August 2018}} Sri Lanka secured a memorable 10 wicket win in that one-off test match and Ranatunga became the first Sri Lankan captain to register a test victory in England.{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of England vs Sri Lanka Only Test 1998 - Score Report|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-1998-61595/england-vs-sri-lanka-only-test-63809/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=22 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322163002/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-1998-61595/england-vs-sri-lanka-only-test-63809/full-scorecard|url-status=live}}
His younger brother Dammika Ranatunga made his test debut against Australia in 1989-90 when Arjuna was the captain of the Sri Lankan test side. It also became the first instance for Sri Lanka cricket whereas a cricketer had made his international debut for a team captained by his brother.{{cite web|title=How many players have made their Test debuts captained by their brothers?|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ask-steven-how-many-players-have-made-their-test-debuts-captained-by-their-brothers-1168495|last=Lynch|first=Steven|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=11 December 2018|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212104/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ask-steven-how-many-players-have-made-their-test-debuts-captained-by-their-brothers-1168495|url-status=live}} Another one of is another brothers, Sanjeewa Ranatunga, also made his test debut when Arjuna was still the captain of Sri Lankan test side.{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 3rd Test 1994 - Score Report|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-sri-lanka-1994-61513/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-3rd-test-63653/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=25 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325085258/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-sri-lanka-1994-61513/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-3rd-test-63653/full-scorecard|url-status=live}}
=1996 World Cup=
Arjuna Ranatunga is one of Sri Lanka's greatest captains. He led the national team to victory in the 1996 World Cup.{{cite web|title='1996' – a dream year overall|url=https://www.sundaytimes.lk/210314/sports/1996-a-dream-year-overall-436400.html|last=Punchihewa|first=Ana|work=The Sunday Times|date=14 March 2021|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626054225/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/210314/sports/1996-a-dream-year-overall-436400.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=18 October 2014|title=Arjuna Ranatunga: 1996 World Cup victory changed cricket in Sri Lanka|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-1996-world-cup-victory-changed-cricket-in-sri-lanka-200580|website=Cricket Country|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403213605/https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-1996-world-cup-victory-changed-cricket-in-sri-lanka-200580|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=World Cup 1996: Not-the-best team's fairytale win|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/108103/world-cup-1996-not-the-best-teams-fairytale-win|website=Cricbuzz|date=24 May 2019|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/108103/world-cup-1996-not-the-best-teams-fairytale-win|url-status=live}} He represented Sri Lanka in 93 Tests and 269 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). While Ranatunga scored 241 runs during Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup winning campaign, he finished with the highest average in the tournament.{{cite web|last=Singh|first=Indra Vikram|date=23 July 2022|title=Cricket World Cup history: Arjuna Ranatunga, a true champion of Sri Lankan cricket|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/cricket-world-cup-history-arjuna-ranatunga-true-champion-of-sri-lankan-cricket|website=Sportskeeda|access-date=1 December 2022}}{{cite web|title=All-time Sri Lanka World Cup XI|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/andrew-fidel-fernando-s-all-time-sri-lanka-world-cup-xi-1178649|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=28 March 2019|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403220019/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/andrew-fidel-fernando-s-all-time-sri-lanka-world-cup-xi-1178649|url-status=live}} There were other batsmen who scored more prolifically in the tournament, but Ranatunga's average of 120.50 stood out. The next best was Aravinda de Silva with 89.60. For batsmen with over 100 runs in the tournament, Ranatunga had the second highest strike rate with 114.76. Only Sanath Jayasuriya was ahead with 131.54.
=Retirement=
Ranatunga lost the national team captaincy in 1999 after Sri Lanka's poor showing at the World Cup in England, although he was chosen as one of five Wisden Cricketers of the Year for that year.{{cite magazine|date=1 December 2020|title=Arjuna Ranatunga the man who inspired Sri Lanka's rise in world cricket|url=https://wisden.com/almanack/arjuna-ranatunga-the-man-who-inspired-sri-lankas-rise-in-world-cricket-almanack|magazine=Wisden|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201123922/https://wisden.com/almanack/arjuna-ranatunga-the-man-who-inspired-sri-lankas-rise-in-world-cricket-almanack|url-status=live}}
In June 2000, Ranatunga played in Sri Lanka's 100th Test match, becoming the only player to represent his country in their first and hundredth Test.Shenton, p.9.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/149348.html|title=England give it a go|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=10 August 1997|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201215035/https://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/149348.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Yabba|date=1 December 2017|title=Arjuna Ranatunga's unique Test record that will never be broken|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/arjuna-ranatunga-s-unique-record|website=Sportskeeda|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212100/https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/arjuna-ranatunga-s-unique-record|url-status=live}} He retired from playing cricket in 2001 and became a television commentator. In 2005, he joined the International Cricket Council's cricket committee.{{cite web|title=Ranatunga joins ICC's Cricket Committee|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-joins-icc-s-cricket-committee-209195|access-date=1 December 2022}} He was then appointed as the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket in January 2008.{{cite web|date=23 December 2008|title=Sri Lanka's interim board dissolved, Ranatunga sacked|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-interim-board-dissolved-ranatunga-sacked-384065|last=Thawfeeq|first=Sa'adi|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212106/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-interim-board-dissolved-ranatunga-sacked-384065|url-status=live}} However, he was sacked from the position in December 2008 for taking controversial decisions regarding selection of players.
In January 2015, he contested for the position of the Vice President of Sri Lanka Cricket during the Sri Lanka Cricket.{{cite web|title=Arjuna Ranatunga to run for SLC vice-president|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arjuna-ranatunga-to-run-for-slc-vice-president-948861|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=6 December 2015|access-date=1 December 2022}}
Controversies
=Fitness=
Ranatunga was known for controversially calling a runner during long innings due to his level of fitness and also he had reportedly twisted his ankle.{{cite web|date=31 December 2020|title=Ian Healy clears air on infamous 'fat c***' sledge|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/ian-healy-clears-air-on-infamous-fat-c-sledge/news-story/ec5ceed34c3d2c1d4128aba3bc80e2c4|website=Fox Sports|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212059/https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/ian-healy-clears-air-on-infamous-fat-c-sledge/news-story/ec5ceed34c3d2c1d4128aba3bc80e2c4|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=O runner, where art thou?|last=Talya|first=Siddhartha|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/espncricinfo-xi-eleven-interesting-incidents-involving-runners-521881|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=3 July 2011|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=19 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919042231/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/espncricinfo-xi-eleven-interesting-incidents-involving-runners-521881|url-status=live}} After the second final of the One Day triangular series in Australia in the 1995/6 season, Ranatunga instructed his players not to shake the Australian players' hands.{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs Sri Lanka 2nd Final 1995/96 - Score Report|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/benson-hedges-world-series-1995-96-60978/australia-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-final-65540/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=20 January 1996|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212100/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/benson-hedges-world-series-1995-96-60978/australia-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-final-65540/full-scorecard|url-status=live}} Australian wicketkeeper batsman Ian Healy who was initially not happy with Arjuna's decision to take a runner abused him by saying "You don't get a runner for being an overweight fat cunt". However, Healy denied reports of racially abusing Arjuna during that match.{{cite news|date=31 December 2020|title=Ian Healy clears the air on 'fat c***' sledge from 1995-96|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/ian-healy-clears-the-air-on-fat-c-sledge-from-199596/news-story/d3b9a2399286727faa567a93e95f4bcc|last=McMurtry|first=Andrew|website=news.com.au|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711145911/https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/ian-healy-clears-the-air-on-fat-c-sledge-from-199596/news-story/d3b9a2399286727faa567a93e95f4bcc|url-status=live}}
=Defence of Muralitharan=
Ranatunga is also remembered for his stand in a One Day International against England. Australian Umpire Ross Emerson called Muttiah Muralitharan for throwing. (Muralitharan was subsequently cleared by bio-mechanical experts hired by the ICC.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-biomechanical-expert-says-murali-was-right-211815|title=ICC biomechanical expert says Murali was right|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|last=Thawfeeq|first=Sa'adi|date=25 June 2005|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211220345/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-biomechanical-expert-says-murali-was-right-211815|url-status=live}}) Ranatunga exchanged heated words with umpire Emerson and led his team to a point just inside the boundary line, halting play and giving the impression that he was about to forfeit the match, until the Sri Lankan management conferred with him and play resumed.{{cite web|title=How the cricket world reacted to Muralitharan's chucking controversy|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=10 April 2020|access-date=1 December 2022|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/how-the-cricket-world-reacted-to-muttiah-muralitharan-s-chucking-controversy-1220463|archive-date=30 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230035058/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/how-the-cricket-world-reacted-to-muttiah-muralitharan-s-chucking-controversy-1220463|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=From 'sarong Johnnie' to national icon|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/janaka-malwatta-on-arjuna-ranatunga-sri-lanka-s-most-influential-cricketer-714217|last=Malwatta|first=Janaka|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=31 January 2014|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212103/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/janaka-malwatta-on-arjuna-ranatunga-sri-lanka-s-most-influential-cricketer-714217|url-status=live}} English captain, Alec Stewart, was openly critical of Ranatunga's behaviour.{{cite web|title=Retroreport - Sri Lanka squeak home after Muralitharan-Ranatunga-Emerson drama|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/carlton-united-series-1998-99-61038/england-vs-sri-lanka-8th-match-65577/match-report|last=Miller|first=Andrew|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=10 April 2020|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=29 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129020816/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/carlton-united-series-1998-99-61038/england-vs-sri-lanka-8th-match-65577/match-report|url-status=live}} In a comment caught on the stump microphone he was heard to say to Ranatunga "Your conduct today has been appalling for a country's captain". The match was bad-tempered, with instances of shoulder-bumping.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-ugly-face-of-cricket-24-january-1999-80351|title=The ugly face of cricket|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=24 January 1999|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201215031/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-ugly-face-of-cricket-24-january-1999-80351|url-status=live}}
=Wrangles with Warne=
There has always been a grudging mutual admiration between Shane Warne and Ranatunga. When the former visited Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami to aid Muralitharan in his "great work"Warne 2008.{{cite web|title=Officials accused of bullying Sri Lanka players|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/officials-accused-of-bullying-sri-lanka-players-144845|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=25 February 2005|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403220014/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/officials-accused-of-bullying-sri-lanka-players-144845|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Murali's no chucker, says Warne|date=12 February 2005|last=Thawfeeq|first=Sa'adi|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/murali-s-no-chucker-says-warne-144510|access-date=1 December 2022}} there, he developed an amiable rapport with his long-time foe: "We even wagged," he confirmed later. Not long after, however, Ranatunga was lambasting him in a scathing newspaper attack.{{cite web|date=29 September 2017|title=Shane Warne, Arjuna Ranatunga and who swallowed what|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/shane-warne-arjuna-ranatunga-and-who-swallowed-what-646313|last=Mustafi|first=Suvajit|website=Cricket Country|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212102/https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/shane-warne-arjuna-ranatunga-and-who-swallowed-what-646313|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Mending fences|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mending-fences-144486|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212101/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mending-fences-144486|url-status=live}} He also urged the ICC to ban Warne from participating at the 2003 Cricket World Cup after the latter had reportedly failed drugs test prior to the World Cup.{{cite web|title=Ranatunga fears double standards in Warne scandal|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-fears-double-standards-in-warne-scandal-126864|last=Austin|first=Charlie|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=21 February 2003|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212102/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-fears-double-standards-in-warne-scandal-126864|url-status=live}}
"You can't be mates with everyone," Warne wrote in his 2008 book Shane Warne's Century, serialised by The Times in September, "and if there was any way I could knock him down to number 101The book details Warne's selection of the 100 greatest players of his time. Ranatunga found himself at 93.{{Cite web|title=Arjuna versus|url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1087120/arjuna-versus|access-date=2021-07-02|website=Cricinfo|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203103850/https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1087120/arjuna-versus|url-status=live}}{{page needed|date=August 2017}} for the purposes of this book, I'd be delighted to do so. But having taken on the task, I want to do it seriously, and the fact is that Ranatunga helped to put Sri Lanka on the cricket map. And you know what? Deep down, I'll quietly admit that I rated him as a cricketer."
Following Warne's death in 2022, Ranatunga wrote
"...Shane and I had a very confrontational and competitive relationship on the field, but we also had immense mutual respect for each other."{{cite news|url=https://www.newswire.lk/2022/03/05/arjunas-tribute-to-the-late-shane-warne/|title=Arjuna's tribute to the late Shane Warne|date=5 March 2022|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=6 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306222700/https://www.newswire.lk/2022/03/05/arjunas-tribute-to-the-late-shane-warne/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2022/mar/05/sri-lankan-cricketers-pay-tribute-to-late-shane-warne-2426728.html|title=Sri Lankan cricketers pay tribute to late Shane Warne|work=The New Indian Express|date=5 March 2022|access-date=1 December 2022}}
=Remarks on IPL=
During the tenure as the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, he termed the Indian franchise T20 league Indian Premier League as "instant noodles" when it was introduced in 2008 and also blamed the IPL for causing severe financial losses to the cricket board due to the postponement of England's scheduled tour to Sri Lanka.{{cite web|title=Ranatunga's 'blasting' of IPL unjustified - Modi|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-s-blasting-of-ipl-unjustified-modi-376389|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=1 November 2008|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403220012/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-s-blasting-of-ipl-unjustified-modi-376389|url-status=live}} He also urged all Sri Lankan players to refrain from taking part in the 2013 IPL season due to the fact that Sri Lankan players were banned from featuring in IPL matches in Chennai by the Government of Tamil Nadu.{{cite web|title=Ranatunga urges Sri Lanka players to boycott IPL|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arjuna-ranatunga-urges-sri-lanka-players-to-boycott-ipl-626959|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=27 March 2013|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212103/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arjuna-ranatunga-urges-sri-lanka-players-to-boycott-ipl-626959|url-status=live}}
=2018 political crisis=
In October 2018, Arjuna who then served as the Petroleum minister was arrested by Sri Lanka Police following his alleged involvement in one of the turn of events as part of the 2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis.{{cite news|date=29 October 2018|title=Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka's Petroleum Minister, arrested|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/arjuna-ranatunga-sri-lankas-petroleum-minister-arrested-over-fatal-shooting-amid-political-crisis/article25361359.ece|access-date=1 December 2022|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403213132/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/arjuna-ranatunga-sri-lankas-petroleum-minister-arrested-over-fatal-shooting-amid-political-crisis/article25361359.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Arjuna Ranatunga: Arjuna Ranatunga arrested over fatal shooting in Sri Lanka amid political crisis|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-arrest-arjuna-ranatunga-over-shooting-spokesman/articleshow/66415936.cms|work=The Times of India|date=29 October 2018|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=26 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926025023/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/sri-lanka-police-arrest-arjuna-ranatunga-over-shooting-spokesman/articleshow/66415936.cms|url-status=live}}
=Match fixing allegations=
In July 2017, Ranatunga made a serious allegation that the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final match between India and Sri Lanka was fixed.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/2011-world-cup-final-india-vs-sri-lanka-match-was-fixed-says-ranatunga-117071400709_1.html|title=Ranatunga Says 2011 World Cup Final was Fixed|date=14 July 2017|work=Business Standard|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411170540/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/2011-world-cup-final-india-vs-sri-lanka-match-was-fixed-says-ranatunga-117071400709_1.html|url-status=live}} He demanded a probe into the events at the final match.{{cite web|url=https://www.india.com/sports/heres-why-after-six-years-arjuna-ranatunga-has-demanded-a-probe-into-2011-cricket-world-cup-final-2320841/|title=Arjuna Ranatunga Demands Probe into 2011 World Cup Final|date=14 July 2017|website=India.com|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411172032/https://www.india.com/sports/heres-why-after-six-years-arjuna-ranatunga-has-demanded-a-probe-into-2011-cricket-world-cup-final-2320841/|url-status=live}} The erstwhile Sports Minister of Sri Lanka Mahindananda Aluthgamage also supported Ranatunga's allegations.{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2020/jun/18/former-sri-lanka-minister-alleges-2011-cricket-world-cup-final-was-fixed-sangakkara-seeks-proof-2158249.html|title=Former Sri Lank Minister Alleges Match Fixing in 2011 World Cup|date=18 June 2020|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411170523/https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2020/jun/18/former-sri-lanka-minister-alleges-2011-cricket-world-cup-final-was-fixed-sangakkara-seeks-proof-2158249.html|url-status=live}} However, three years later, Sri Lankan Police suspended the match fixing probe citing lack of sufficient evidence.{{cite news|url=https://crictoday.com/cricket/sri-lanka-police-drop-match-fixing-probe-due-to-lack-of-evidence/|title=Sri Lanka Police Drops Match Fixing Probe|date=3 July 2020|last=Singh|first=Abhishek|work=Cric Today|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=12 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212013341/https://crictoday.com/cricket/sri-lanka-police-drop-match-fixing-probe-due-to-lack-of-evidence/|url-status=live}} Later, International Cricket Council rubbished the match fixing claims made by Ranatunga and Aluthgamage.{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/icc-statement-match-fixing-2011-world-cup-final-6488647/|title=ICC Rubbishes Match Fixing Allegations|date=4 July 2020|work=The Indian Express|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411170522/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/icc-statement-match-fixing-2011-world-cup-final-6488647/|url-status=live}} In 2018, former Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala alleged both Arjuna and Aravinda de Silva to have involved in match fixing in 1994 and insisted that both of them had received money from Indian bookies. However, both Arjuna and Aravinda denied the allegations levelled by Sumathipala.{{cite news|date=31 July 2018|title=Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva deny fixing allegations|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/arjuna-ranatunga-aravinda-de-silva-deny-fixing-allegations-5285355/|work=The Indian Express|access-date=1 December 2022}}{{cite web|title=Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva dismiss former Sri Lanka chief's match-fixing charges|url=https://scroll.in/field/888800/arjuna-ranatunga-aravinda-de-silva-dismiss-former-sri-lanka-chiefs-match-fixing-charges|website=Scroll.in|date=1 August 2018|access-date=1 December 2022}}
=Criticism of Sri Lanka cricket=
Arjuna Ranatunga has been a vocal critic of Sri Lanka Cricket administrators over the years especially after 2015 where Sri Lanka national cricket has suffered the worst decline at international cricket.{{Cite web|date=27 June 2021|title=Ranatunga highlights two issues on continuous failure of Sri Lankan team|url=https://www.bdcrictime.com/ranatunga-highlights-two-issues-on-continuous-failure-of-sri-lankan-team/|website=Bdcrictime|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=8 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808012041/https://www.bdcrictime.com/ranatunga-highlights-two-issues-on-continuous-failure-of-sri-lankan-team|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=16 September 2017|title=Arjuna Ranatunga stirs controversy by skipping Sri Lanka cricket brainstorming|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-stirs-controversy-by-skipping-sri-lanka-cricket-brainstorming-642907|website=Cricket Country|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=27 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127150647/https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/arjuna-ranatunga-stirs-controversy-by-skipping-sri-lanka-cricket-brainstorming-642907|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Political meddling ruining Sri Lankan cricket - Ranatunga|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-news-political-meddling-ruining-sri-lankan-cricket-arjuna-ranatunga-554413|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403220018/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-news-political-meddling-ruining-sri-lankan-cricket-arjuna-ranatunga-554413|url-status=live}} He has blamed the cricket officials for not taking responsibility which has led to a significant downfall of Sri Lankan cricket and has repeatedly called for restructuring of the domestic structure in Sri Lanka which has been diluted with numerous clubs featuring in domestic first-class cricket competitions.{{cite web|date=12 March 2021|title=System overhaul needed to stop slide of Sri Lankan cricket|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/sri-lankan-cricket-prolonged-failure-1996-world-cup-domestic-structure-arjuna-ranatunga/article34115245.ece|website=Sportstar|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212058/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/sri-lankan-cricket-prolonged-failure-1996-world-cup-domestic-structure-arjuna-ranatunga/article34115245.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=16 August 2017|title=It is the fault of the management that Sri Lankan cricket is going through the worst period, says Arjuna Ranatunga|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/it-is-the-fault-of-the-management-that-sri-lankan-cricket-is-going-through-the-worst-period-says-arjuna-ranatunga-4799531/|work=The Indian Express|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212059/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/it-is-the-fault-of-the-management-that-sri-lankan-cricket-is-going-through-the-worst-period-says-arjuna-ranatunga-4799531/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=31 May 2018|title=Arjuna Ranatunga: Corruption goes right to the top in Sri Lankan cricket|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/104349359/arjuna-ranatunga-corruption-goes-right-to-the-top-in-sir-lankan-cricket|website=Stuff|access-date=1 December 2022}} He also slammed Sri Lanka Cricket for recruiting foreign coaches instead of grooming young talents and also termed the foreign coaches as "garbage".{{cite web|title=Former World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga slams Sri Lanka Cricket for hiring 'garbage' foreign coaches|url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/former-world-cup-winning-skipper-arjuna-ranatunga-slams-sri-lanka-cricket-for-hiring-garbage-foreign-coaches-9430621.html|agency=Agence France-Presse|website=Firstpost|date=17 March 2021|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212059/https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/former-world-cup-winning-skipper-arjuna-ranatunga-slams-sri-lanka-cricket-for-hiring-garbage-foreign-coaches-9430621.html|url-status=live}}
In June 2021, he also criticised sports minister Namal Rajapaksa for failing to solve the issues in the cricket administration despite the fact that Namal had invited Arjuna to rectify the current state of Sri Lanka cricket and the loopholes in the system.{{cite news|date=27 January 2021|title=Namal invites Arjuna to uplift cricket in Sri Lanka|work=Newsfirst|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/01/27/namal-invites-arjuna-to-uplift-cricket-in-sri-lanka/|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212100/https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/01/27/namal-invites-arjuna-to-uplift-cricket-in-sri-lanka/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=1 July 2021|title=WATCH : "Namal Rajapaksa has failed in cricket" Arjuna Ranatunga|url=https://www.newswire.lk/2021/07/01/watch-namal-rajapaksa-has-failed-in-cricket-arjuna-ranatunga/|website=NewsWire|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701150624/https://www.newswire.lk/2021/07/01/watch-namal-rajapaksa-has-failed-in-cricket-arjuna-ranatunga/|url-status=dead}} In a television interview as of June 2021, he made a controversial statement that Sri Lanka cricket officials arranged the bilateral limited overs series against second string Indian side with the intention of gaining revenue through television marketing and also further insisted that arranging international series against second string India team has undermined dignity of the legacy of Sri Lanka cricket and therefore would insult the Sri Lankan cricket.{{cite web|title='We've dignity': Ranatunga slams Sri Lanka on India 'B team' tour|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/2/arjuna-ranatunga-sri-lanka-india-tour|website=Aljazeera.com|date=2 July 2021|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205122715/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/2/arjuna-ranatunga-sri-lanka-india-tour|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=2 July 2021|title='This second-string Indian team coming here is an insult to Sri Lanka cricket': Arjuna Ranatunga slams SLC|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/this-second-string-indian-team-coming-here-is-an-insult-to-sri-lanka-cricket-arjuna-ranatunga-slams-slc-101625204858883.html|access-date=1 December 2022|work=Hindustan Times|archive-date=3 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203193443/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/this-second-string-indian-team-coming-here-is-an-insult-to-sri-lanka-cricket-arjuna-ranatunga-slams-slc-101625204858883.html|url-status=live}} In addition, he also made another controversial statement that he would give three slaps to the current crop of national cricketers in wake of the disciplinary violations regarding the breach of bio-secure bubble by three of the Sri Lankan cricketers during the limited overs series tour of England.{{cite web|date=2 July 2021|title=Arjuna blames cricket administration for players misbehaviour|url=https://www.islandcricket.lk/news/arjuna-blames-cricket-administration-for-players-misbehaviour/|website=Island Cricket|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212101/https://www.islandcricket.lk/news/arjuna-blames-cricket-administration-for-players-misbehaviour/|url-status=live}}
=#MeToo allegations=
In 2018, an Indian flight attendant accused Arjuna of harassing her at a hotel in Mumbai.{{cite web|title=#MeToo: Arjuna Ranatunga Among Sri Lankan Cricketers Accused Of Sexual Harassment|date=11 October 2018|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/metoo-arjuna-ranatunga-among-sri-lankan-cricketers-accused-of-sexual-harassment-1930596|agency=NDTV|access-date=1 December 2022}}{{cite web|date=11 October 2018|title=#MeToo in cricket: Malinga, Ranatunga accused of sexual harassment|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/metoo-in-cricket-malinga-ranatunga-accused-of-sexual-harassment/story-SyxShHwTC5W7CaFfRezSGN.html|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212059/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/metoo-in-cricket-malinga-ranatunga-accused-of-sexual-harassment/story-SyxShHwTC5W7CaFfRezSGN.html|url-status=live}}
Political career
He entered into politics by joining the Sri Lanka Freedom Party led by Chandrika Kumaratunga, and contested the 2001 parliamentary elections with PA from Colombo District.{{cite news|last=Abeynayake|first=Rajpal|title=PM Khan and his political lessons for Arjuna|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/03/03/features/242962/pm-khan-and-his-political-lessons-arjuna|work=Daily News|date=3 March 2021|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212059/http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/03/03/features/242962/pm-khan-and-his-political-lessons-arjuna|url-status=live}} After the UPFA victory in 2004, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Promotion.{{cite journal|url=http://www.documents.gov.lk/Extgzt/2004/pdf/May/1339-9/1339-9e.pdf|date=7 May 2004|title=Part I: Section (I) — General Appointments & c., by the President|journal=The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Extraordinary|volume=1339/09|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525083318/http://documents.gov.lk/Extgzt/2004/pdf/May/1339-9/1339-9e.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2013}}{{cite web|title=Ranatunga sworn in as minister|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-sworn-in-as-minister-140788|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=9 May 2004|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403213606/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-sworn-in-as-minister-140788|url-status=live}} In 2006, he resigned from the post of junior minister tourism in order to concentrate on Sri Lanka Cricket administration.{{cite web|title=Ranatunga resigns as minister for tourism|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-resigns-as-minister-for-tourism-to-devote-time-to-cricket-254092|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=21 July 2006|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403220025/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ranatunga-resigns-as-minister-for-tourism-to-devote-time-to-cricket-254092|url-status=live}}
In 2010, Ranatunga left the UPFA and joined the Democratic Party of the DNA led by Sarath Fonseka, and was made the deputy leader of the Democratic Party.{{cite web|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-6850-news-detail-sf-the-only-person-who-can-rescue-the-country.html|title='SF, the only person who can rescue the country'|work=Ceylon Today|date=25 May 2012|access-date=16 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527170502/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-6850-news-detail-sf-the-only-person-who-can-rescue-the-country.html|archive-date=27 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://sundaytimes.lk/cms/article3.php?id=4762|title=Arjuna Ranatunga joins Gen Fonseka|publisher=Sundaytimes.lk|access-date=16 November 2012}}{{dead link|date=November 2016|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}{{cite web|url=http://dwww.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=20122|title=Arjuna, Tiran also to boycott SF rally?|newspaper=Ada Derana|date=18 October 2012|access-date=16 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207073740/http://dwww.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=20122|archive-date=7 February 2015}} In November 2012, he resigned from the Democratic Party, but continued his affiliation with DNA.{{cite news|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-16570-news-detail-mp-ranatunga-resigns-from-dp.html|title=MP Ranatunga resigns from DP|work=Ceylon Today|date=9 November 2012|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121034508/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-16570-news-detail-mp-ranatunga-resigns-from-dp.html|archive-date=21 January 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/forum_news.php?his=history&nid=0&mode=head&nid=41|title=Tell Bandula – Glass Box|newspaper=Adaderana.lk|access-date=16 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416040720/http://www.adaderana.lk/forum_news.php?his=history&nid=0&mode=head&nid=41|archive-date=16 April 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/resignation-not-valid-sf-23392.html|title=Resignation not valid: SF | Breaking News|work=Daily Mirror|date=11 November 2012|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215171959/https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/resignation-not-valid-sf-23392.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/arjuna-resigns-from-sfs-party-23354.html?fbrefresh=1505969960|title=Arjuna resigns from SF's party|work=Daily Mirror|date=9 November 2012|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215191808/https://www.dailymirror.lk/article/arjuna-resigns-from-sfs-party-23354.html?fbrefresh=1505969960|url-status=live}} He endorsed Maithripala Sirisena in the 2015 Presidential election, and after Sirisena's victory Ranatunga was appointed Minister of Highways, Ports & Shipping.{{cite news|date=21 November 2014|title=I will contest as the Common Candidate - Maithripala Sirisena|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?mode=beauti&nid=28815|newspaper=Ada Derana|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=16 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216215827/https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?mode=beauti&nid=28815|url-status=live}} In 2020, he was deemed as a possible candidate to replace Ranil Wickremasinghe as the leader of the United National Party who had resigned from the position in wake of the defeat at the parliamentary elections.{{cite news|title=Former Sri Lankan cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga enters UNP leadership fray|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/aug/30/former-sri-lankan-cricketer-arjuna-ranatunga-enters-unp-leadership-fray-2190310.html|access-date=1 December 2022|work=The New Indian Express|date=30 August 2020|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212059/https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/aug/30/former-sri-lankan-cricketer-arjuna-ranatunga-enters-unp-leadership-fray-2190310.html|url-status=live}} In October 2020, he resigned from the post of Gampaha District Leader.{{cite news|title=Arjuna resigns from Gampaha District UNP leader post|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/front_page/Arjuna-resigns-from-Gampaha-District-UNP-leader-post/238-197380|last=Perera|first=Yohan|work=Daily Mirror|date=7 October 2020|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=12 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212005656/https://www.dailymirror.lk/front_page/Arjuna-resigns-from-Gampaha-District-UNP-leader-post/238-197380|url-status=live}}
On 30 November 2021, he resigned from the United National Party expressing his dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity about the future of the party and regarding the failed leadership of the party.{{cite news|date=30 November 2021|title=Lankan cricket legend Arjuna Ranatunga quits United National Party|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/lankan-cricket-legend-arjuna-ranatunga-quits-united-national-party-7648681/|access-date=1 December 2022|work=The Indian Express|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403212101/https://indianexpress.com/article/world/lankan-cricket-legend-arjuna-ranatunga-quits-united-national-party-7648681/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Arjuna Ranatunga resigns from UNP|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news/78786/arjuna-ranatunga-resigns-from-unp|date=29 November 2021|access-date=1 December 2022|website=www.adaderana.lk}}
Career highlights
{{See also|Player of the Match awards (cricket)}}
;Tests
- Ranatunga's highest Test batting score of 135 not out was made against Pakistan, Colombo, 1985–1986
- His best Test bowling effort of 2 for 17 came against New Zealand, Kandy, 1983–1984
- Ranatunga's captaincy record was as follows: 56 matches, 12 wins, 19 losses, 25 draws.
;One-day Internationals
- He has the record for the most runs scored by any batsman in ODI history at number 5 position (4675 runs) and also the first to score over 4500 ODI runs when batting at no 5 position.{{cite web|url=http://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/batting/BattingBestAggregateForPosition_ODI.asp|title=HowSTAT! ODI Cricket - Most Runs for Each Batting Position|website=www.howstat.com|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025061038/http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Batting/BattingBestAggregateForPosition_ODI.asp|url-status=live}}
International centuries
=Key=
=Test centuries=
| class=wikitable
|+Test centuries of Arjuna Ranatunga !No. !Score !Against !City !Ground !Date !Result !Ref |
| [1]
|111 |{{cr|IND}} |Colombo, Sri Lanka |30 August 1985 |Draw |{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 1985 - Score Report|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-1985-62339/sri-lanka-vs-india-1st-test-63409/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=25 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125062244/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-1985-62339/sri-lanka-vs-india-1st-test-63409/full-scorecard|url-status=live}} |
| [2]
|135* |{{cr|PAK}} |Colombo, Sri Lanka |22 March 1986 |Draw |
| [3]
|127 |{{Cr|AUS}} |Colombo, Sri Lanka |17 August 1992 |Lost |
| [4]
|131 |{{Cr|SAF}} |Moratuwa, Sri Lanka |25 August 1995 |Draw |
=ODI centuries=
| class="wikitable"
|+ODI centuries of Arjuna Ranatunga !No. !Score !Against !City !Ground !Date !Result !Ref |
| [1]
|101* |{{cr|PAK}} |2 December 1994 |Lost |{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st Match 1994/95 - Score Report|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/mandela-trophy-1994-95-60965/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-1st-match-66004/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=2 December 1994|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403220021/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/mandela-trophy-1994-95-60965/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-1st-match-66004/full-scorecard|url-status=live}} |
| [2]
|102* |{{cr|PAK}} |Gujranwala, Pakistan |29 September 1995 |Lost |
| [3]
|131* |{{Cr|IND}} |Colombo, Sri Lanka |18 July 1997 |Won |
| [4]
|102 |{{Cr|NZL}} |Colombo, Sri Lanka |5 July 1998 |Won |
See also
References
- Warne, Shane. "Shane Warne's Century: Ranatunga looked like he had swallowed a sheep." The Times, 27 September 2008.
- Shenton, A. "Ranatunga's Unique Achievement", The Cricket Statistician, No. 113, Spring 2001. Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians; West Bridgford, Nottingham
Notes
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{cricinfo|id=50244}}
- [http://www.howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerOverview.asp?PlayerId=1433 HowSTAT! statistical profile on Arjuna Ranatunga]
- [https://archive.today/20120308042614/http://www.sesatha.co.uk/Event_News/20091103_Arjuna_at_Oxford_Uni/index.htm 1st Asian International Sportsman ever to address the Oxford Union]
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{{succession box|before=Ranjan Madugalle|title=Sri Lankan Test and ODI Captain|years=1988 -1999|after=Sanath Jayasuriya}}
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