The Aryavarth Express
Pallekele [Sri Lanka]: Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down from his role following the team’s exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The announcement came after Sri Lanka suffered a narrow five-run defeat to Pakistan in their final Super Eight match. The co-hosts had already been eliminated from semifinal contention and were unable to conclude their campaign on a winning note.
Speaking after the match, the former Sri Lankan opener said he had hoped to finish the tournament “on a good note” but was disappointed that it did not materialize.
“I thought I should give that title to someone else. That’s why I mentioned two months ago during the England series that I have no plans of staying here. I thought from the World Cup I would be able to leave as coach on a good note. I couldn’t do that as much as I thought. I feel sorry about that,” Jayasuriya said, as quoted by the ICC.
Jayasuriya added that while his contract runs until June, he has not yet formally communicated his decision to Sri Lanka Cricket and plans to hold discussions with the board regarding his future.
“My contract ends in June. I have not given my official decision or anything to Sri Lanka Cricket. I have to go and discuss with them about what I have to do,” he said.
In the match against Pakistan, half-centuries from skipper Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake were not enough to secure victory. Pakistan had earlier posted 212/8, powered by a 176-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84).
Despite the win, Pakistan also failed to progress to the semifinals, missing out on net run rate to New Zealand.
