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Legendary former captain Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down as head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s team, bringing an end to a tenure that began with historic promise but concluded in disappointment at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Jayasuriya confirmed his intention to relinquish the role following Sri Lanka’s narrow five-run defeat to Pakistan in Pallekele, a result that ended their Super Eight campaign without a victory.
Although he has yet to formally notify Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the former opener revealed that he had already made up his mind months ago that this World Cup would be his final assignment in charge.
“I thought it was time to give it to someone else,” Jayasuriya said at the post-match press conference. “About two months ago, during the England series, I said I didn’t have hopes of staying in the job for long. I had taken this decision by then.”
He admitted he had hoped to bow out on a high.
“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,” he added.
Jayasuriya’s current contract runs until June 2026, and he clarified that discussions with the board are still pending.
With a limited-overs home series against the Afghanistan national cricket team scheduled to begin on March 13, SLC may yet request him to oversee that assignment.
“My contract runs till June. I haven’t given SLC any news officially yet. They don’t even know I am going to say this,” he said. “If they can get somebody [to coach the team], then definitely they should do that.”
Sanath Jayasuriya initially took charge on an interim basis after the 2024 T20 World Cup and enjoyed immediate success. Under his guidance, Sri Lanka secured their first bilateral ODI series win over India in 27 years in August 2024.
That resurgence continued with a memorable Test victory over the England cricket team at The Oval, followed by a dominant 2-0 home Test series sweep against New Zealand.
Those achievements led to his full-time appointment on October 1, 2024; however, the momentum proved difficult to sustain.
Sri Lanka delivered a modest showing at the ACC Asia Cup 2025 and failed to impress in a T20I tri-series in Pakistan.
Their World Cup preparation also raised concerns after a 3-0 T20I series whitewash against England, which immediately preceded the global event.
Jayasuriya had previously served as chief selector in two separate stints.
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