Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan is a Sri Lankan professional cricketer, born on April 17, 1972, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. Muralitharan began his professional career with Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club before making his debut for the Sri Lankan national team in 1992, where he won multiple titles, including the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1996.

Muralitharan is known for his exceptional spin bowling, strength, wicket-taking ability, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2006, and holds multiple records, such as the most wickets in Test cricket history.

Off the field, Muralitharan is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club

• Youth and Early Career: Muralitharan was born and raised in Kandy and started playing cricket at a young age. He made his first-team debut for Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club in 1988.

Sri Lankan National Team

• Early Success: Muralitharan made his debut for the Sri Lankan national team in 1992. He developed into one of the world's best spin bowlers, winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1996 and becoming the highest wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket.

Indian Premier League

• Later Career: In 2008, Muralitharan joined the Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League. He had a successful stint with the team, winning the IPL title twice.

Retirement

• Retirement: Muralitharan announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2010 and from all forms of cricket in 2011. Post-retirement, he has taken up various coaching roles in international cricket.

Sri Lanka National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Sri Lanka in 1992.

Achievements:

• ICC Cricket World Cup: Winner in 1996.
• Muralitharan is Sri Lanka's all-time top wicket-taker and has the most appearances for the national team.

• Position: Primarily a spin bowler, but also contributed with the bat when required.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional spin bowling, strength, and wicket-taking prowess. Muralitharan is celebrated for his versatility, accuracy, and ability to generate turn on any surface.

• Family: Muralitharan is married to Madhimalar Ramamurthy and they have a son and a daughter together.
• Philanthropy: Muralitharan is involved in various charitable activities and has made significant contributions to the development of infrastructure and facilities for disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka.

• Muttiah Muralitharan is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work ethic, determination, and longevity in professional cricket. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Wickets in Test Cricket:

• 800 wickets

Most Wickets in International Cricket:

• 1347 wickets

Most Wickets for Sri Lanka:

• Leading wicket-taker in both Test and ODI cricket

Books

• Arnold, P. (2012) Muttiah Muralitharan: The Biography. London: John Blake Publishing.
• Haigh, G. (2013) On Warne. Melbourne: Penguin Books.

Websites

• ESPNcricinfo: Information about Muttiah Muralitharan’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.espncricinfo.com
• ICC: Details about Muralitharan’s career at ICC. Available at: https://www.icc-cricket.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Muttiah Muralitharan: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/10756220
• The Guardian: Muttiah Muralitharan’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/muttiah-muralitharan

Interviews and Documentaries

• Murali (2015): Directed by James Erskine and Sam Blair. This documentary provides a detailed look at Muralitharan’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPNcricinfo Interviews: Various interviews and features on Muttiah Muralitharan, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espncricinfo.com