An ICC statement issued here said Venkataraghavan, one of the most decorated umpires in the game, will officiate in his last match—the second Test between Australia and Sri Lanka starting in Kandy on March 16.

Venkataraghavan, 58, made his debut as an international umpire during England's series of India in 1992-93 and has stood in 75 Tests and 52 one-day internationals.

Paying tribute to Venkataraghavan, ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said "he has stood the test of time in an exceptionally demanding career."

"Venkat came to umpiring after a terrific career as a player, administrator and media commentator," Speed said adding "he has seen international cricket and international cricket umpiring undergo extraordinary change and has stood up to the scrutiny that now comes with being involved in the game at the elite level."

Describing Venkataraghavan as one of the most outstanding umpires to have stood in international cricket, Speed said "his integrity and passion for cricket are of the highest order and he has helped ensure that the spirit of the game remains in tact for those that will follow."

"As he moves into the next stage of his career, he will be able to reflect on his time as an international umpire with great pride and know that he is respected around the world for his contribution to the game," the ICC chief executive said.

Venkataraghavan has played 57 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1965 and 1983.

ICC said Venkat might be able to move back to the secondary international panel of umpires of the Indian Cricket Board nominates him as one of the two umpires it provides to this group.

If he is selected, he could be appointed by his home board to future ODI matches, it said adding Venkat "is yet to confirm if he wishes to make himself available for this panel."

Before becoming an international umpire, Venkat, who made his debut as a player at the age of 19 against New Zealand in 1964-65 and played his last Test at the age of 38 against Pakistan in 1983-84, was one of the leading figures of the golden era of Indian spin bowling along with B.S.  Chandrashekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and Bishen Singh Bedi.

Venkat has also been the manager of the Indian cricket team, a national selector, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association Secretary, newspaper and magazine columnist, and expert TV commentator as also an international match referee in both Tests and ODIs.