Roshan Mahanama

Roshan Mahanama, a name synonymous with Sri Lankan cricket, embodies the spirit of resilience and versatility both on and off the cricket field. Born on May 31, 1966, in Colombo, Mahanama rose to prominence as a cricketer who played a pivotal role in some of Sri Lanka’s most memorable cricketing moments. This article delves into the life and career of Roshan Mahanama, exploring his journey from a young cricket enthusiast to a revered figure in the sport and his subsequent ventures beyond cricket.

Mahanama’s cricketing career is marked by numerous achievements, including his record-breaking partnership with Sanath Jayasuriya and his significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s triumph in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. His dedication to the sport led him to become an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee, where he continued to influence the game globally.

Roshan Mahanama Batting Career Statistic

Bowling Career Statistic

Career Information

Test debut vs Pakistan 14.03.1986

Last Test vs South Africa 27.03.1998

ODI debut vs Pakistan 02.03.1986

Last ODI vs Kenya 30.05.1999

Roshan Mahanama’s Biography

Roshan Mahanama’s journey began in the bustling city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he was born on May 31, 1966. From a young age, Mahanama was immersed in a culture where cricket was not just a sport, but a way of life. Growing up in a cricket-loving nation, he was naturally drawn to the game, playing with fervor in the streets and local grounds of his neighborhood. His early life was marked by a deep passion for cricket, which was evident in his dedication and natural talent on the field. Mahanama’s family played a significant role in nurturing his love for the game, providing him with the support and encouragement needed to pursue his dreams. As a child, he idolized the cricketing legends of his time, dreaming of one day representing his country on the international stage.

Mahanama’s formal education was intricately tied to his cricketing journey. He attended Nalanda College, Colombo, an institution renowned for its strong emphasis on sports, particularly cricket. At Nalanda, Mahanama honed his skills and developed a profound understanding of the game, under the guidance of experienced coaches and mentors. His time at the college was instrumental in shaping his cricketing career, as he excelled both academically and in sports. It was here that Mahanama’s talent truly began to shine, earning him recognition as a promising young cricketer. His performances in school-level cricket matches drew attention from national selectors, setting the stage for his eventual rise to prominence in the world of international cricket.

Cricket Career Journey

Roshan Mahanama, a former Sri Lankan cricketer, earned distinction as the 36th test cap for Sri Lanka during a match against Pakistan in Colombo in the 1985/86 season. In his Test career, Mahanama’s batting average was below 30, but he managed to score four centuries. His most notable performance was a staggering 225-run innings against India in Colombo. In this match, he and Sanath Jayasuriya created a then world record for the second wicket in Test cricket, amassing a partnership of 576 runs. This record was eventually surpassed in 2006 by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, also from Sri Lanka, with a 624-run partnership. Nonetheless, the partnership between Jayasuriya and Mahanama remains the highest for the second wicket in Test history.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, under the captaincy of Aravinda de Silva, Mahanama established himself as a stylish opening batsman. He was a key player in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, opening the batting alongside M.A.R. Samarasekera and U.C. Hathurusingha. His performances included notable innings against Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the 1994 Austral-Asia Cup in Sharjah, he captained a Sri Lankan team missing key players like Aravinda de Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga. His crowning achievement was contributing to Sri Lanka’s first ICC Cricket World Cup victory in 1996, where the team emerged as unbeaten champions, defeating Australia in the final.

Mahanama’s cricketing journey, however, faced a turning point following the 1999 World Cup. He chose the title “Retired Hurt” for his biography to express his feelings after being excluded from ODIs and Tests post the World Cup. Despite the official reason being to groom young talent, the inclusion of older players in the team led to his decision to retire, as he felt overlooked and undervalued. His experiences, both on and off the field, are detailed in the book “Retired Hurt,” authored by Australian sports writer Ken Piesse.

After retiring from international cricket in 1999, Mahanama transitioned to an administrative role in the sport, becoming an International Cricket Council match referee. He debuted in this role in an ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh in Kingstown in 2004 and has since officiated in numerous matches, including 61 Tests. Notably, he became part of an elite group of match referees who have overseen more than 200 matches. His tenure as a match referee was marked by several milestones, including officiating in the first day-night Test match in history, which used a pink ball. He also served as a match referee in the 2020 and 2021 Pakistan Super League.

In 2001, Mahanama took on a coaching role, being appointed as the manager and head coach of the Sri Lanka A team and Development squad. Throughout his career, he adapted his playing style, transitioning from an opener to a middle-order batsman. This change was prompted by the emergence of new openers Romesh Kaluwitharana and Sanath Jayasuriya. By the time of his retirement, Mahanama had scored four centuries in both Test and ODI cricket.

Outside the Cricket - Selling Tea

Aside from his notable cricket career, Roshan Mahanama has also been successful in the business world. He ventured into the pharmaceutical distribution sector in Sri Lanka, running a business in this field. Moreover, Mahanama has shown an entrepreneurial spirit by owning several startups, including Zamon. Zamon is an innovative app designed to enhance consumer convenience by allowing users to order coffee and food from a network of connected cafes.

Mahanama’s influence extends beyond the realm of business and sports. He has been actively involved in philanthropic activities, demonstrating a strong commitment to social causes. One such endeavor is his role as the brand ambassador for the Hemas Outreach Foundation, where he leverages his public profile to support and promote the foundation’s initiatives.

In 2017, Mahanama’s dedication to educational development was evident when he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Roshan Mahanama Primary School in Vavuniya. This project, backed by the Sri Lanka Army, was initiated following Mahanama’s request, highlighting his commitment to improving education in the region.

Mahanama’s sense of social responsibility was further showcased during the 2022 economic crisis in Sri Lanka. In response to the hardships faced by his fellow citizens, he personally engaged in distributing meals to those waiting in long queues for fuel. This act of kindness was not just about providing immediate relief but also served as a call to action. Mahanama appealed to the people of Sri Lanka to unite and support each other during such challenging times, embodying a spirit of community and solidarity.

Personal Life Details

Roshan Mahanama is married to Geeva Mahanama. Together, they have three daughters named Sajni, Rashmika, and Ravinia. Mahanama’s family life has been one of his priorities, especially after his retirement from international cricket. He cited the desire to spend more quality time with his family as one of the reasons behind stepping down from the elite panel of the ICC match referee panel​​​​.

Mahanama’s hobbies and interests outside of cricket include running a pharmaceutical distribution business in Sri Lanka. He is also an entrepreneur with several startups to his name. One of his notable ventures is Zamon, an app that allows consumers to order coffee and food from connected cafes. This entrepreneurial spirit reflects his dynamic approach to life beyond the cricket field​​.

Conclusion

Roshan Mahanama’s legacy extends well beyond the boundaries of a cricket field, embodying a blend of athletic brilliance, entrepreneurial spirit, and humanitarian compassion. His journey from a formidable cricketer to a respected match referee, and then to a successful businessman and philanthropist, is a testament to his multifaceted personality and dedication.

Mahanama’s contributions to cricket, both as a player and an official, have left an indelible mark on the sport. His record-breaking performances and leadership in Sri Lanka’s golden era of cricket are celebrated by fans worldwide. Transitioning from the adrenaline-filled stadiums to the corporate and philanthropic realms, Mahanama has demonstrated that the skills and values learned in sports can be effectively translated into other areas of life.

Through his entrepreneurial ventures and charitable endeavors, he continues to inspire and influence a new generation, both within and outside the realm of sports. Roshan Mahanama’s story is not just about cricketing achievements; it’s about a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in society. His life and career serve as a shining example of how sports can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth, social responsibility, and national pride.