Asoka De Silva - Sri Lanka - Batsman

A short career on the field as a player, but Asoka de Silva more than made up for it with his second stint on the field. A right-arm leg-spinner by occupation, he represented Sri Lanka in 10 Tests and 28 ODIs in the 1980s.

However, he remains better remembered as the flag-bearer for Sri Lankan umpires to make it to the ICC Elite panel. He did try his hand at coaching after his retirement before turning his focus to umpiring. He maintained himself at the highest level for a major part of the mid-2000s despite a few bouts of relegation. The period also saw him officiate in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

Vineet Anantharaman