Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed the appointment of former captain Sanath Jayasuriya as the full-time head coach of the national men’s team on Monday.
Jayasuriya took charge as the interim head coach back in July, replacing former England pacer Chris Silverwood in the role, who stepped down from his position following Sri Lanka’s dismal ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
However, the team’s recent performances under Jayasuriya have prompted the cricket board to extend his contract and appoint him as the full-time head coach.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya as the head coach of the national team,” the cricket board said in a statement.
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“The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket made this decision taking into consideration the team’s good performances in the recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand, where Jayasuriya was in charge as the ‘interim head coach.'”
The former all-rounder will continue in the role until the end of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka.
“The appointment came into effect on October 1, 2024, and will remain until March 31, 2026,” the statement added.
Under Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka whitewashed New Zealand in the two-match home Test series today. It’s worth noting that this is Sri Lanka’s first series victory against New Zealand since a 2-0 win at home in 2009.
Prior to that, Sri Lanka defeated England in the Oval Test earlier this month and won a home ODI series against India.
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