Sanath Jayasuriya has hinted that the upcoming T20 World Cup could mark the final phase of his tenure as Sri Lanka’s head coach, even as Sri Lanka Cricket has indicated it is open to continuing with him beyond the tournament.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Sanath Jayasuriya said his focus is firmly on the World Cup, suggesting he does not intend to remain in the role long term despite his contract running past the global event.
“My focus is the T20 World Cup and even though my contract runs beyond the global showpiece, I don’t intend to hang on,” Jayasuriya said.
Jayasuriya was initially brought in as a temporary appointment in July 2024 ahead of a demanding home series against India. However, Sri Lanka’s ODI series victory over India — their first in decades — prompted Sri Lanka Cricket to appoint him as head coach on a full-time basis later that year. He had earlier joined the National High Performance Center as a consultant in December 2023.
Under Jayasuriya’s tenure as head coach, Sri Lanka have played 60 matches across all formats, recording 29 wins, 29 losses and two draws, giving him a 50 percent win record and reflecting a mixed period of progress and inconsistency.
The former Sri Lanka captain has described the upcoming home series against Pakistan and England as central to the team’s World Cup preparations, saying the fixtures offer the best opportunity to finalise combinations, sharpen decision-making and test players under pressure in familiar conditions.
He has acknowledged that Sri Lanka’s T20 side still requires improvement, particularly in batting tempo and bowling execution during key phases, while expressing satisfaction with the progress made in the Test and ODI formats.
Jayasuriya has previously played a decisive role in Sri Lanka’s two World Cup triumphs — as Player of the Tournament in the 1996 ODI World Cup victory and as chairman of selectors when Sri Lanka won the 2014 T20 World Cup — and is now attempting to contribute to a third title, this time from the coaching seat.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Shammi Silva said the board is pleased with the work being carried out by Jayasuriya, praising his hands-on approach and close involvement with players.
Speaking at a media briefing, Silva said Sri Lanka Cricket intends to hold discussions with Jayasuriya after the T20 World Cup regarding his future, indicating the board is willing to continue with him beyond the tournament.
Silva also confirmed that Sri Lanka Cricket plans to appoint a foreign head coach for the Sri Lanka women’s team, moving away from the current arrangement with local coach Rumesh Ratnayake, as part of efforts to strengthen the women’s programme. (Newswire)