In the world of cricket, very few bowlers have left an impact as deep and lasting as Muttiah Muralitharan. Known for his mesmerizing spin, incredible work ethic, and record-breaking achievements, Muralitharan is widely regarded as the greatest bowler in the history of the game.
This detailed Muttiah Muralitharan biography explores the journey of the legendary Sri Lankan spinner—from his humble roots to becoming the highest wicket-taker in both Test and ODI formats. Read on to discover how Muralitharan’s magic changed the art of spin bowling forever.
Early Life and Family Background
Muttiah Muralitharan was born on April 17, 1972, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, into a Tamil Hindu family. His early life was shaped by modest means, strong family values, and a love for sports.
Initially, he started as a medium pacer but switched to off-spin at the age of 14 under his coach’s guidance. Despite facing societal challenges and political tensions during his youth, Muralitharan’s focus on cricket remained unshaken.
Family Details
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Sinnasamy Muttiah (Businessman) |
| Mother | Lakshmi Muttiah |
| Brothers | 3 younger brothers |
| Wife | Madhimalar Ramamurthy (Married in 2005) |
| Children | Naren Muralitharan (Son) |
Education and Childhood
Muralitharan attended St. Anthony’s College in Kandy, where he developed his cricketing skills. His school recognized his potential early, and he led the team’s bowling attack with his sharp spin and fierce competitiveness.
Even as a teenager, coaches noted his unusual wrist action and ability to turn the ball sharply, setting the foundation for his future greatness.
Domestic Career and Early Struggles
Muralitharan began his professional cricket journey playing for Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club in Colombo. His performances at the domestic level quickly caught the attention of national selectors.
He also had stints playing county cricket for teams like Kent and Lancashire in England, honing his craft on diverse pitches and gaining international experience that served him throughout his career.
International Debut and Early Years
- Test Debut: August 28, 1992, vs. Australia
- ODI Debut: August 12, 1993, vs. India
In his early years, Muralitharan was a sensation, but his bowling action came under frequent scrutiny. However, he was cleared by the ICC after extensive biomechanical testing, and he continued to mesmerize batsmen with his unmatched spin and variation.
Muralitharan played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s golden cricket era in the mid-to-late 1990s.
Rise to Stardom
Muttiah Muralitharan’s reputation soared as he led Sri Lanka’s bowling attack during their historic 1996 Cricket World Cup victory. His partnership with fellow spinner Sanath Jayasuriya and pacer Chaminda Vaas made Sri Lanka a dominant force in world cricket.
He broke record after record, including surpassing Courtney Walsh’s Test wicket record and Wasim Akram’s ODI wicket record.
Muttiah Muralitharan’s Cricket Stats (as of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5-Wicket Hauls | 10-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 133 | 800 | 22.72 | 67 | 22 |
| ODI | 350 | 534 | 23.08 | 10 | – |
| T20I | 12 | 13 | 22.84 | 0 | – |
| IPL | 66 | 63 | 26.92 | 0 | – |
Major Records and Achievements
- Most wickets in Test cricket: 800 wickets
- Most wickets in ODI cricket: 534 wickets (until overtaken later)
- First bowler to reach 800 Test wickets
- ICC Cricket World Cup winner (1996)
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1999)
- ICC Test Cricketer of the Year (2006)
Playing Style and Strengths
Muralitharan is known for :
- Unorthodox wristy off-spin
- Sharp turn on any pitch
- Deceptive doosra (a delivery that spins away from right-handers)
- Relentless accuracy and stamina
- Psychological dominance over batsmen
His bowling required not just technical skill but immense mental toughness, especially during controversial moments involving his bowling action.
Personal Life and Marriage
Muttiah Muralitharan married Madhimalar Ramamurthy, a native of Chennai, India, in 2005. The couple has a son named Naren. Post-retirement, he has focused on philanthropic work and business ventures, staying active in the cricketing community.
Brand Endorsements and Business Ventures
Muttiah Muralitharan, while less commercial than many modern cricketers, has been associated with:
- Ceylon Tea brands
- MAS Holdings (sportswear partnerships)
- Cricket coaching and consultancy roles
He also co-owns stakes in businesses related to hospitality and sports training centers in Sri Lanka.
Net Worth of Muttiah Muralitharan in 2025
| Source | Estimated Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cricket Salary (Past) | $3–4 million |
| Coaching & Consultancy | $1–2 million/year |
| Endorsements | $500,000+ |
| Business Ventures | $8–10 million |
| Total Net Worth | $15–18 million (approx.) |
Fitness and Lifestyle
Muralitharan maintained a strict but practical fitness regime during his playing days, focusing more on flexibility, shoulder strength, and endurance rather than heavy muscle work.
Even today, he follows a simple, disciplined lifestyle involving:
- Morning yoga and light gym sessions
- Traditional Sri Lankan diet
- Focus on mental wellness and positivity
Social Media and Global Influence
While not as active as younger stars, Muralitharan uses his influence for good causes like:
- Promoting cricket development in Sri Lanka
- Supporting education and healthcare initiatives
- Advocating for unity among different communities
He commands immense respect across cricketing nations for his humility and achievements.
Muttiah Muralitharan in Popular Culture
- Subject of the biographical film “800” (released in 2023)
- Regular guest on cricket shows and expert panels
- Honored with lifetime achievement awards globally
Interesting Facts About Muttiah Muralitharan
- His bowling action was cleared twice by ICC after biomechanical testing.
- He was born into a family running a biscuit-making business.
- Took his 800th Test wicket with his final ball in Test cricket.
- Played for Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
- Speaks Tamil, Sinhala, and English fluently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: Muttiah Muralitharan is a former Sri Lankan cricketer, regarded as the greatest spinner in the history of cricket with 800 Test wickets.
Ans: His estimated net worth in 2025 is between $15–18 million, including income from past cricket, endorsements, and business ventures.
Ans: He has taken a combined total of over 1,300 wickets in Test and ODI cricket.
Ans: Yes, he is involved in coaching, consultancy, and promoting cricket development programs.
Ans: Yes, but after extensive testing, his action was declared legal by the ICC on multiple occasions.