Crishan Kalugamage — Italian Leg-spinner and Pizza Maker in 2026

Italian cricketer Crishan Kalugamage is a vital leg-spin bowler who made his T20I debut in 2022 and starred in Italy’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a Player of the Match performance against Nepal.

Italian cricketer Crishan Kalugamage stands out as one of his team’s most dependable leg-spin bowlers, having moved to Italy as a teenager and honed his skills with Roma Cricket Club before earning his T20I debut in 2022. Known for his precise control and tricky googlies, he has proven to be a wicket-taking threat in high-pressure situations. Currently, he plays a pivotal role in Italy’s historic run at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, delivering a standout three-wicket haul against Nepal in a display of his bowling mastery on the global stage. At 15 years old in 2007, Kalugamage relocated with his family from Sri Lanka to Tuscany, Italy, where formal cricket was nearly nonexistent. He first played informal matches before joining Roma Cricket Club, where he began training seriously. Beyond the field, he works full-time as a pizza maker at a local pizzeria in Lucca, balancing his job with rigorous training and match schedules. Crishan Kalugamage follows Buddhism, as he is of Sri Lankan origin, though details about his specific caste remain undisclosed. His close-knit family moved together from Sri Lanka to Italy when he was a teenager, settling in Lucca. His parents provided unwavering support during his early struggles, helping him balance work and his passion for cricket. Adapting to life in a new country was challenging, but they encouraged his cricketing ambitions while he worked at the pizzeria. Crishan Kalugamage’s father is employed as a painter, though limited information is available about him. He supported the family financially as Kalugamage pursued cricket and later managed his own career. His mother works in housekeeping and manages household duties alongside her husband. She offered emotional encouragement, enabling her son to follow his cricketing dreams. A right-handed batsman, Crishan Kalugamage comes from a supportive family that includes his brothers, all of whom are married and pursuing careers outside sports. Updates on his family members will be shared as soon as new details emerge. Crishan Kalugamage wears jersey number 99 during international matches, including his appearances in the 2026 T20I World Cup. As of 2026, Crishan Kalugamage’s net worth and professional salary remain undisclosed. His income primarily comes from playing as a bowler for the Italy national cricket team and participating in club cricket with Roma Cricket Club. In addition, he works at a pizzeria in Lucca, Italy, managing his day job alongside international cricket commitments. His earnings include match fees and potential allowances from the Italian Cricket Federation for representing the national team. Further details about his net worth will be provided as they become available. Crishan Kalugamage’s bowling statistics highlight his importance as Italy’s key leg-spin bowler in their qualification for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Across 20 T20I matches, he has claimed 23 wickets at an average of 17.95, including a four-wicket haul in international play, demonstrating his strong performances. Italian cricketer Crishan Kalugamage earned the Player of the Match award at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after taking three wickets against Nepal, leading Italy to a historic maiden victory in the tournament. Crishan Kalugamage is a legbreak bowler who specializes in googlies and represents the Italy national cricket team. What is Crishan Kalugamage’s age and birthday? Crishan Kalugamage was born on June 16, 1991, making him 34 years old in 2026. Crishan Kalugamage is an Italian cricketer, though his height has not been revealed publicly. There is no publicly available information about Crishan Kalugamage’s girlfriend. What is Crishan Kalugamage’s net worth and salary? As of 2026, Crishan Kalugamage’s net worth remains undisclosed to the public. What is Crishan Kalugamage’s jersey number? Crishan Kalugamage wears jersey number 99 in international cricket matches. What are Crishan Kalugamage’s career achievements? Crishan Kalugamage won the Player of the Match award at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for his three-wicket haul against Nepal. All images included are for editorial use only. Licensed exclusively through Getty/Source.