Muttiah Muralitharan is the greatest spin bowler in cricket history, holding the world record with 800 Test wickets and 534 ODI wickets. His unorthodox off‑spin made him both highly effective and controversial, and he remains a central figure in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Deshabandu Muttiah Muralitharan
- Born: 17 April 1972, Kandy, Sri Lanka
- Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
- Role: Bowler
- Nickname: Murali
International Career
- Test Debut: 28 August 1992 vs Australia
- Last Test: 18 July 2010 vs India
- ODI Debut: 12 August 1993 vs India
- Last ODI: 2 April 2011 vs India
- T20I Debut: 22 December 2006 vs New Zealand
- Last T20I: 31 October 2010 vs Australia
- Career Span: 1992–2011
Muttiah Muralitharan Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 133 | 800 | 22.72 | 9/51 |
| ODI | 350 | 534 | 23.08 | 7/30 |
| T20I | 12 | 13 | 22.72 | 3/29 |
Highlights & Legacy
- World Record Holder: Most wickets in Test and ODI cricket.
- 1996 World Cup Winner: Key member of Sri Lanka’s victorious squad.
- Controversial Action: His bowling style was repeatedly scrutinized but cleared by the ICC.
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Post-Career Roles: Mentor for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL, businessman, and philanthropist.
- Biopic: 800 (2023), starring Madhur Mittal, dramatizes his life and career.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Family
Muttiah Muralitharan’s family includes his wife Madhimalar Ramamurthy, an Indian from Chennai, and their two children, Naren and Kavya. His marriage in 2005 connected him to both Sri Lankan and Indian communities, and his family is often seen at cricket events and charity functions.
Immediate Family
- Wife: Madhimalar Ramamurthy – Daughter of late Dr. S. Ramamurthy (well-known in Chennai’s healthcare sector). Married Murali in 2005.
- Son: Naren – Frequently seen with Murali at matches and public events.
- Daughter: Kavya – Keeps a low profile, occasionally photographed with the family.
- Parents: Muttiah & Lakshmi – Murali’s Sri Lankan Tamil family from Kandy supported his cricket journey.
Family Influence
- Cross-Cultural Marriage: Murali’s marriage to Madhimalar strengthened ties between Sri Lanka and India.
- Public Appearances: His wife and children often accompany him at award ceremonies, charity events, and IPL matches.
- Private Lifestyle: Despite his fame, Murali keeps his family life relatively private, focusing on values and togetherness.
- Philanthropy: The family is involved in charitable initiatives, especially in healthcare and education.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Net Worth
Muttiah Muralitharan’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at around $9 million USD. His wealth comes from his long international cricket career, IPL contracts, endorsements, coaching roles, and business ventures.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Net Worth | $9 million USD |
| International Career Earnings | Salaries from 133 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 12 T20Is (1992–2011) |
| IPL Contracts | Earned ₹152.84 million (~$1.8M USD) across IPL seasons |
| Endorsements | Deals with cricket gear brands, sports companies, and corporate sponsorships |
| Business Ventures | Investments in real estate, hospitality, and cricket academies |
| Post-Retirement Roles | Mentor for Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL), commentator, and philanthropist |
Key Income Sources
- Playing Career: Match fees and contracts from Sri Lanka Cricket.
- IPL Earnings: Lucrative contracts with Chennai Super Kings and Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
- Endorsements: Cricket gear and corporate sponsorships.
- Business Ventures: Diversified investments in Sri Lanka and India.
- Post-Career Roles: IPL mentorship, commentary, and charity work.
Risks & Trade‑offs
- Sri Lanka Cricket Salaries: Lower compared to Indian or Australian stars.
- Endorsement Limitations: As a bowler, Murali earned fewer sponsorships than batting legends.
- Business Exposure: Hospitality and real estate investments carry market risks.
See More: Chaminda Vaas