From Pizza Oven to Cricket Pitch: Crishan Kalugamage's Dual Life in Italy
When one thinks of Italy, pizza often springs to mind—a beloved dish with global appeal. Now, the Italian cricket team, making its debut at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, features a practitioner of this iconic trade: Crishan Kalugamage, a pizza-maker who also excels as a leg-spinner. Hailing from Sri Lanka, Kalugamage moved to Europe with his parents as a teenager nearly two decades ago, never imagining his passion for cricket would flourish in a football-dominated nation.
Balancing Work and Passion on the Field
Kalugamage works at a pizzeria in Lucca, Tuscany, where his job frequently clashes with his love for cricket. "I lost a lot of jobs. Sunday is a very busy day, lots of bosses aren't keen on you not working because you are playing cricket," he revealed in an interview with BBC Sport. Despite these challenges, he joined the Roma Cricket Club, one of Italy's oldest, and has been representing the national team since 2022. He humorously notes a similarity between his professions: "It's all about the fingertips," referring to the delicate touch needed for both pizza-making and spin bowling.
Guidance from a Spin Legend and Cricketing Idols
Under the tutelage of Italy's head coach John Davison, known as 'The Spin Whisperer', Kalugamage hones his craft. Davison, praised by Australian legend Nathan Lyon as the "best spin coach in the world," has decades of experience. Kalugamage's cricketing journey began in Negombo, Sri Lanka, where he played for his school's U-13 and U-15 teams, idolizing Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya. As he developed as a leg-spinner, he added Shane Warne, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Rashid Khan to his list of inspirations.
Football Fandom and World Cup Aspirations
In Italy, where football reigns supreme, Kalugamage has become a passionate Inter Milan supporter, with Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez as his favorite player. Although he went wicketless in Italy's opening World Cup match against Scotland, he plans to emulate Martinez's cross-armed celebration if he takes a wicket on the big stage. Looking ahead, Kalugamage told ESPNCricinfo, "Now, my main job is in the restaurant. After the World Cup, we'll see if I have a chance to play somewhere. Hopefully, in the future, it's only cricket." His story highlights the diverse paths athletes take to reach international competitions, blending culinary skills with sporting talent.
