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Sanath Jayasuriya to meet SLC, hints at stepping down as Sri Lanka coach

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, the team's head coach during the T20 World Cup, has scheduled a meeting with Sri Lanka Cricket to discuss future plans. He revealed he had already decided to step down from the coaching role following the tournament, a decision he hinted at months earlier. Jayasuriya's contract officially runs until June, but he has not yet formally notified the board of his intention to leave. Sri Lanka's World Cup campaign was marred by inconsistency and key player injuries, ending without a win in the Super Eights stage.

Key Points: Jayasuriya to Discuss Future with SLC After T20 World Cup Exit

  • Meeting with SLC scheduled
  • Jayasuriya decided to step down after World Cup
  • Contract runs until June
  • Sri Lanka had inconsistent campaign
  • Series vs Afghanistan at risk
3 min read

'I am meeting SLC tomorrow, Sri Lanka played some good games too': Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya confirms meeting with Sri Lanka Cricket to discuss plans after T20 World Cup, having already decided to step down as head coach.

'I am meeting SLC tomorrow, Sri Lanka played some good games too': Sanath Jayasuriya
"I thought it was time to give it to someone else. - Sanath Jayasuriya"

New Delhi, March 2

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, who was the team's head coach during their recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign, said members and officials of Sri Lanka Cricket will hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the future plans after the co-hosts failed to make it to the semifinals of the marquee event.

"There's a meeting with Sri Lanka Cricket tomorrow. We'll discuss the future plans there. Sri Lanka played some of their games really well. I'll share more details when the meeting is done," Jayasuriya told IANS on Monday.

Jayasuriya decided to step down as the team's head coach after Sri Lanka's close defeat to Pakistan, which marked the end of their World Cup run. While he hadn't formally notified SLC of his decision, he mentioned that this World Cup would be his final role.

"I thought it was time to give it to someone else. That's why about two months ago I'd said during the England series that I don't have hopes of staying in the job for long. I'd taken this decision by then. I thought I'd be able to leave as coach on a good note in the World Cup. I wasn't able to do that as well as I'd like, and I'm sad about that," the veteran had said after Sri Lanka's last T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan.

Although Jayasuriya made up his mind to step down, he did not explicitly confirm he would do so immediately. Sri Lanka has a limited-overs series against Afghanistan scheduled to start on March 13, though that series is now at risk due to hostilities in West Asia. The board might want him to stay for that tour.

"My contract runs till June. I haven't given SLC any news officially yet. They don't know that I am going to say this either. I will need to go and discuss with them. If they can get somebody (as his replacement), then definitely (they should do that)," he had stated.

Sri Lanka, co-hosts of the T20 World Cup alongside India, had a disappointing campaign at the tournament, although playing at home, as they struggled to find consistency in both batting and bowling.

Sri Lanka, placed in a competitive group, struggled to gain momentum after early setbacks. They had won three out of four matches in the initial T20 World Cup group stage, including a notable victory over Australia, but injuries to key players Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana disrupted their progress, which led to a winless conclusion to their Super Eights campaign as they incurred losses against England, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, it's always tough to see a co-host team exit early. They had that brilliant win against Australia! Shows the potential is there. Hope the meeting brings some stability. The Afghanistan series is important for their rebuilding.
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Arjun K
Respect for Sanath sir. He's taking responsibility. But honestly, Sri Lankan cricket has been in a slump for a while. Beating Australia was a flash in the pan. They need a long-term vision, not just coach changes. The board must share the blame too.
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Priyanka N
It's the inconsistency that kills them! One day they play like champions, the next day it's a collapse. The batting order never settled. Hope the next coach can build a fearless unit. Wishing the Lankan lions all the best! 🦁
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Michael C
The contract runs till June, so this feels a bit up in the air. If the board wants him for the Afghanistan series, he should see it through. A messy, mid-contract exit helps no one, especially with security concerns around that tour.
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Karthik V
From an Indian fan, we always enjoy a strong Sri Lanka. Cricket needs all teams to be competitive. Their spin resources are great, just need better management. Jayasuriya is a batting great, but coaching is a different ball game. Time to pass the baton.

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