Muttiah Muralitharan is more than a name in cricket; he is a big part of it. The famous former Sri Lankan spinner is known for his amazing achievements, breaking records, and a great journey from a small Tamil background to being the top wicket-taker in Test cricket.
His life, in and out of the game, shows hard work, commitment, and a strong love for the sport. Let’s look more closely at Muttiah Muralitharan’s life, his personal life, and the legacy he is still making.
Early Life and Cricketing Career
Muttiah Muralitharan was born on April 17, 1972, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He started from a simple background. He grew up in a Tamil family that worked in sweets.
His controversial way of spin bowling and the number of wickets under his belt made him very popular in cricket. Even after a decade of retiring, Anil Kumble and Shane Warne are the only two cricketers who have come close to his records.
Muralitharan’s path to success was not simple. He had claims about his bowling style being against the rules, which caused him to take several tests to check his movements.
Even with these problems, he became one of the best bowlers in cricket history, making a record of 800 Test wickets that no one has beaten.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Achievements and Records
- Highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 800 wickets
- Only bowler to take 67 five-wicket hauls in Tests
- Leading wicket-taker in ODIs for Sri Lanka
- Part of Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning team
- A member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2017
Personal Life: Family, Wife, and Children
The legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is married to Madhimalar Ramamurthy, who hails from Chennai, India. The couple has two children, and they lead a relatively private life.
Despite his fame, Muttiah Muralitharan’s lifestyle is simple, and he prefers spending time with his family when not engaged in cricketing activities.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Net Worth and Endorsements
Muralitharan has done well in cricket, coached teams, and has some deals. His money is thought to be about $10 million that is close to 76 crore INR.
He has worked with many brands and has coached cricket, which has helped him make more money. He has supported some things like:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (Bowling Coach)
- Various sports brands and charitable initiatives
Controversies Surrounding Muttiah Muralitharan
Even though Muralitharan had a great cricket career, his views on politics have often caused debate. His backing of some political leaders and comments about the Sri Lankan civil war have drawn criticism, particularly from Tamil groups in India.
His movie about his life, called 800, got a lot of negative reactions, which made actor Vijay Sethupathi give up the main role.
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work
Apart from cricket, Muttiah Muralitharan’s lifestyle includes significant humanitarian work. He has been actively involved in rebuilding communities affected by the Sri Lankan civil war and the 2004 tsunami.
His foundation, the Foundation of Goodness, works towards providing education and healthcare to underprivileged communities in Sri Lanka.
FAQs
1. What is Muttiah Muralitharan’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $9-10 million, accumulated from cricket earnings, endorsements, and coaching.
2. Who is Muttiah Muralitharan’s wife?
He is married to Madhimalar Ramamurthy, an Indian from Chennai.
3. What are Muralitharan’s major cricketing records?
He holds the record for 800 Test wickets and the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
4. Why was his biopic 800 controversial?
The biopic faced backlash due to Muralitharan’s political statements and his perceived stance on the Sri Lankan civil war.
5. What is Muttiah Muralitharan doing now?
He is actively involved in coaching and humanitarian work through his Foundation of Goodness.
