Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named Sanath Jayasuriya as the men’s national team head coach. He is a former captain. His start date is October 1, 2024. Jayasuriya’s contract extends until March 31, 2026. This move follows his successful stint as interim head coach. He led Sri Lanka to several significant wins. They included a historic ODI series win against India after 27 years. They also won a Test series in England after a decade.
Jayasuriya became the interim coach in July 2024. He replaced Chris Silverwood after Sri Lanka’s poor showing in the T20 World Cup. His coaching tenure began with notable successes. It included a 2-0 Test series sweep against New Zealand at home.
A cricketing icon in Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya played a key role in the country’s 1996 World Cup-winning team. His playing career, from 1991 to 2007, included 110 Tests. He scored 6,973 runs at an average of 40.07. He also played 445 ODIs, scoring 13,430 runs. His work as a player and cricket consultant will help revive Sri Lankan cricket on the world stage.
Jayasuriya’s first big test as the coach is a limited-overs series with the West Indies. They will hold it in Dambulla and Pallekele.
Jayasuriya’s strong leadership should boost Sri Lanka’s cricket team in the years ahead.
