Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the interim head coach of the men’s national team, taking over from Chris Silverwood, who stepped down following Sri Lanka’s disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup. Jayasuriya’s tenure as head coach begins ahead of the upcoming home limited-overs series against India, scheduled to start later this month.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced that Jayasuriya will serve in this capacity until the conclusion of Sri Lanka’s tour of England in September 2024. Jayasuriya, who is currently the full-time cricket consultant for SLC, brings a wealth of international cricketing experience to his new role.
“Sanath with his wealth of international cricketing experience is well positioned to guide the national team until we find a permanent solution,” said Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Jayasuriya’s first assignment as head coach will be the three T20Is and three ODIs against India, starting on July 27. His appointment comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka as they look to rebuild and strengthen their squad.
From 1991 to 2007, Jayasuriya played 110 Test matches, scoring 6,973 runs at an average of 40.07, including 14 centuries and 31 fifties. In 445 ODIs, he amassed 13,430 runs at an average of 32.36, with 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries. Jayasuriya played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 ODI World Cup victory, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game.
With Jayasuriya at the helm, Sri Lanka hopes to capitalize on his vast experience and strategic insight to lead the team to success in the upcoming series against India and beyond.
