Crishan Kalugamage: The Pizza Chef Spinning Italy to World Cup Glory
London, 16 February 2026 – In one of the most remarkable stories of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, Crishan Kalugamage has transitioned from a professional kitchen in Tuscany to the global cricket stage. The Sri Lanka-born leg-spinner has become the face of Italy’s historic debut in the tournament, proving instrumental in the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory.
A Historic Victory in Mumbai
Italy secured a landmark 10-wicket win over Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium on 12 February 2026. Kalugamage was named Player of the Match after delivering a clinical spell of leg-spin, returning figures of 3/18 in his four overs. His dismissals included the crucial wicket of Nepal’s captain, Rohit Paudel, effectively restricting Nepal to a total of 123. Italy’s openers chased the target without loss, marking a significant milestone for European cricket.
Most recently, on 16 February 2026, Kalugamage featured in a high-stakes match against England at Eden Gardens. During the encounter, he claimed the wicket of Tom Banton and contributed a brisk 30 runs from 21 balls with the bat, further establishing his status as a vital all-rounder for the Italian side.
From Marawila to Lucca
Born on 11 June 1991 in the coastal town of Marawila, Sri Lanka, Kalugamage attended St. Xavier’s College where he initially played as a fast bowler. After moving to Italy to join his parents, persistent injuries forced him to reinvent his game, switching from pace to leg-spin.
Away from the international cricket circuit, Kalugamage works as a professional pizzaiolo (pizza chef) at the La Vita pizzeria in Lucca, Tuscany. He has frequently drawn parallels between his two crafts, noting that both leg-spin and hand-tossing pizza dough require immense “fingertip control.”
Key Facts: Crishan Kalugamage
The following table outlines the professional profile and background of Italy’s breakout star.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Crishan Kalugamage |
| Date of Birth | 11 June 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Marawila, Sri Lanka |
| Playing Role | All-rounder (Leg-spinner / Right-handed Batter) |
| International Debut | 2022 (for Italy) |
| Professional Occupation | Pizza Chef (Pizzaiolo) in Lucca, Italy |
| Major Achievement | Player of the Match vs Nepal (T20 World Cup 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kalugamage start playing for Italy?
After relocating from Sri Lanka to Italy, Kalugamage began playing tennis-ball cricket recreationally with the Sri Lankan diaspora. His talent was eventually spotted by local clubs, leading to his qualification for the Italian national team in 2022.
What was his performance against Nepal?
Kalugamage took 3 wickets for 18 runs in 4 overs, helping bowl Nepal out for 123. This performance earned him the Player of the Match award and set the foundation for Italy’s first-ever World Cup win.
Does he still work as a pizza chef?
Yes. Despite his World Cup success, Kalugamage maintains his full-time profession in Tuscany. He has spoken openly about the demanding routine of balancing long shifts in the pizzeria with his training schedule for the national team.