Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Dharmasena, who took to umpiring after his retirement from international cricket in March, 2004, will be christened as an international cricket umpire in the first of the five-match ODI series, to be played in Dambulla on August 18, between Sri Lanka and India.

"I’m not certain whether I’ll be one of the two on-field umpires or the Reserve Umpire or the TV Referral Umpire (in the match). But the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Umpires’ Committee headed by former cricketer Ken de Alwis has already confirmed my August 18 assignment," Dharmasena told ‘The Island’ on Wednesday (6).

SLC a week ago appointed Dharmasena as one of its three umpires for international assignments for the forthcoming year. The other two are T. H. Wijewardene and Gamini Silva. The other present local umpire, Asoka de Silva, who too is a former Test player, is in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.

"There were a few informal complaints over my rise to this level within barely three years of umpiring. But they (SLC Umpiring Committee) took me as a fast-track candidate. They may have considered my international playing career as well in assessing me. I’ve already officiated in 97 Sri Lanka domestic matches," said Dharmasena, who played 31 Tests since 1993.

Courtesy - The Island