Suwanji Madanayake

Suwanji Madanayake is a distinguished all-rounder who has made significant contributions to cricket as a left-arm spinner and a middle-order left-handed batsman. With a career that transcends multiple leagues in the UK, he has emerged as one of the foremost professional players, showcasing his talent across various clubs, including North Yorkshire and South Durham, Leicestershire, Liverpool Competition.Two counties premier cricket league and the Staffordshire league

He made history as the first player from Liverpool to accumulate 500 runs and 50 wickets, achieving this in the summer of 2008. This feat also established him as the highest wicket-taker for that season(74 wickets( and marked him as the first Sri Lankan player to do so in the Liverpool League's 150-year history.

His influence extends to Sri Lankan clubs such as BRC, Sebastianites CC, Air Force Cricket Club, Moors CC, and Lankan CC, where he has played pivotal roles in their successes. Additionally, he has made impactful contributions in various UK clubs like Ormskirk CC, Maghull CC, Wigan CC, Ipswich CC, Marske CC, and Barlaston CC.

From 1995 to 1999, Madanayake sought international acclaim as he participated in Development squads and the Sri Lanka "A" squad. He trained alongside cricketing legends including Aravinda de Silva, Hashan Thilakaratne, Ruwan Kalpage, Russel Arnold and Kumar Sangakkara at the prestigious Nondescript Cricket Club (NCC), as well as with notable players like Marvan Attapattu, Chandika Hathurusinghe, Dasun shanaka and Rangana Herath in the Mercantile team.(Sampath bank PLC)

He achieved the best bowling average in the 1997/98 season and was awarded Best Bowler in the Premier Tier 'B' limited-over tournament in 2006/07.

He earned the title of 'Best All-Rounder' for two consecutive seasons (2008/09 and 2009/10) in the Tier B First-Class tournament.

In the inaugural Mercantile T20 Tournament in 2013, he was recognized as the 'Man of the Finals' and 'Best Bowler'.

He notably holds the world record for the most years played in first-class cricket, as reported by The Guardian on May 20, 2020. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his enduring talent and unwavering commitment to the game

In 2023, Madanayake represented the Masters World Cup (over 50) in South Africa, where he finished as the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker, further cementing his legacy as a top-tier cricketer.

Madanayake has held leadership roles, having captained premier clubs such as Sebastianites CC, Lankan CC, and BRC. His qualifications include an ECB Level II certification and being a qualified umpire with Sri Lanka Cricket since 2004. Currently, he serves as a selector for the National Super League.