Sanath Jayasuriya has hinted that he may step down as head coach after the upcoming T20 World Cup.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket has indicated that it is open to continuing to work with him beyond the tournament.
In an interview with a newspaper, Sanath Jayasuriya said that his focus is firmly on the World Cup and that he does not intend to stay in the position long-term even if his contract extends beyond the World Cup.
“My focus is on the T20 World Cup, I have no intention of hanging around even if my contract extends beyond the World Cup,” Jayasuriya said.
Jayasuriya was initially appointed as a temporary appointment in July 2024 ahead of the home series against India.
However, Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win against India in decades prompted Sri Lanka Cricket to appoint him as head coach on a full-time basis later that year.
He had previously joined the National High Performance Centre as a consultant in December 2023.
During Jayasuriya’s tenure as head coach, Sri Lanka has played 60 matches across all formats, recording 29 wins, 29 losses and two draws.
That has given him a 50 percent win record and reflects mixed progress.
Jayasuriya describes the home series against Pakistan and England as a pivotal point in the team’s World Cup preparations.
He says these tournaments provide the best opportunity to decide combinations, sharpen decision-making and test players in familiar conditions and under pressure.
He has acknowledged that Sri Lanka’s T20 team needs to improve further, and is pleased with the progress made, especially in batting and bowling, as well as in key stages.
Jayasuriya, who previously played a crucial role as the player of the tournament in the 1996 ODI World Cup victory and as the chairman of selectors when Sri Lanka won the 2014 T20 World Cup, is now looking to contribute to a third title as coach.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva said the board is pleased with the work Jayasuriya is doing and appreciates his hands-on approach and close relationship with the players.
Speaking at a media briefing, Silva had said that Sri Lanka Cricket intends to discuss Jayasuriya’s future with him after the T20 World Cup and that the board is willing to continue working with him beyond the tournament.
De Silva confirmed that Sri Lanka Cricket is planning to appoint a foreign head coach for the Sri Lanka women’s team, stepping down from the current contract with local coach Rumesh Ratnayake, as part of efforts to strengthen the women’s team.
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