The subcontinental association with cricket runs so deep that the very existence of the game these days — much of it related to the financial aspect of it — seems to be in the hands of those who run the sport in this part of the world. But surprisingly, money, passion and zeal apart, the subcontinent, or rather one face from this region, is now fast emerging as the pacifier or the peace-maker in world cricket. And that face is of Ranjan Madugalle.

The stylish former Sri Lankan batsman made a smooth transition from being a player during Sri Lanka’s fledgling days in world cricket to being one of the most respected match referees of the world. And now, donning the hat of the International Cricket Council’s chief referee, he has some serious counselling to do with the richest and the best teams in the world at loggerheads halfway though their Test series.

With India and Australia fighting more off the field than on, and charges of racism and unsporstmanlike behaviour flying thick and fast all around, the ICC has brought in Madugalle to talk to the two captains — Anil Kumble and Ricky Ponting — and see to it that sanity and, more importantly, the dignity of the sport are restored. How Madugalle will deal with it, and how effective his role will be, the world will know shortly.

This is not the first time that Madugalle has been brought in to defuse a situation that has spun out of control and threatened a tour. The infamous Oval fiasco, which led to umpire Darrell Hair being demoted from the top flight of international cricket, was also overseen by him, though he could not fly down to London immediately following the incident due to personal problems.

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