Cricket

Sanath Jayasuriya to Step Down as Sri Lanka Head Coach After T20 World Cup 2026

Published

4 months ago

January 5, 2026

Editor

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has confirmed that he will step down from his role following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, bringing clarity to ongoing speculation surrounding his future with the national team.

Although Jayasuriya’s current contract with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) extends beyond the World Cup, multiple media reports indicate that he has already taken a personal decision not to continue in the role after the tournament.

Coaching Journey and Key Milestones

Jayasuriya’s tenure as national head coach began in July 2024, when he was appointed interim head coach ahead of a demanding home series against India. That appointment proved pivotal, as Sri Lanka went on to record a historic ODI series victory over India, their first in several decades. The result prompted Sri Lanka Cricket to confirm Jayasuriya as full-time head coach later that year.

Prior to taking over the national side, Jayasuriya had been involved with Sri Lanka Cricket as a consultant at the National High Performance Centre since December 2023, contributing to player development and long-term planning.

Record and Performance Overview

Under Jayasuriya’s leadership, Sri Lanka have played 60 international matches across all three formats, registering 29 wins and 29 losses, with two no results. The numbers reflect a transitional phase for the team, marked by rebuilding, experimentation, and gradual progress rather than consistent dominance.

While the team has shown improvement in Tests and ODIs, Jayasuriya has acknowledged that T20 cricket remains an area requiring further refinement, particularly in maintaining batting momentum and executing disciplined bowling during decisive phases of matches.

Focus on World Cup Preparation

Looking ahead, Jayasuriya has highlighted upcoming home series against Pakistan and England as crucial preparation opportunities ahead of the T20 World Cup. He believes these contests will allow Sri Lanka to finalise player combinations, sharpen tactical decision-making, and test performances under pressure in familiar conditions.

Jayasuriya’s connection with Sri Lanka’s World Cup success is deeply rooted. He was Player of the Tournament during Sri Lanka’s iconic 1996 ODI World Cup victory and later served as Chairman of Selectors when the national team lifted the 2014 T20 World Cup. Now, he is aiming to contribute to a potential third World Cup triumph, this time from the coach’s chair.

SLC Response and Future Outlook

Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Shammi Silva has publicly expressed satisfaction with Jayasuriya’s work, praising his hands-on coaching approach and close engagement with players. Speaking at a recent media briefing, Silva stated that formal discussions regarding Jayasuriya’s future will take place after the T20 World Cup, leaving open the possibility of an extension should circumstances permit.

In a separate development, Silva also confirmed that Sri Lanka Cricket plans to appoint a foreign head coach for the national women’s team, marking a shift from the current setup under local coach Rumesh Ratnayake. The move forms part of a broader strategy to further professionalise and strengthen the women’s cricket programme.

As Sri Lanka build toward the 2026 T20 World Cup on home soil, Jayasuriya’s remaining tenure is expected to focus on consolidation, clarity, and competitive readiness — with his legacy to be assessed once the global tournament concludes.

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Cricket

ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up

Published

22 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.

According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.

The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.

The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.

The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.

Cricket

LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle

Published

22 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.

The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

Cricket

RCB Bring in Gleeson After Thushara Exit; CSK Add Kuldip as Injury Cover

Published

23 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have roped in experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara ahead of the IPL 2026 Knockouts.

Thushara was unable to join the Bengaluru franchise after failing to secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. The board reportedly withheld approval because the pacer did not meet the required fitness benchmarks set by the national setup.

RCB have signed Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore. The 38-year-old seamer brings previous IPL experience, having represented both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in recent seasons. Gleeson featured in two matches for Chennai in 2024 and made a single appearance for Mumbai in the 2025 campaign. He has also represented England in nine T20 Internationals.

Thushara, who was bought by RCB for the same amount in 2025, played one game during the franchise’s championship-winning run last season. Despite being retained for IPL 2026, his participation was blocked after the NOC issue emerged.

The Sri Lankan quick had initially taken legal action against the cricket board regarding the matter, but later withdrew the case and issued a written apology. Court documents reportedly indicated that Thushara had considered stepping away from international cricket, although no final decision on his future has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have announced Indian pacer Kuldip Yadav as a replacement for injured left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel’s season was cut short after he suffered a right quadricep injury during Chennai’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Before the setback, he had claimed two wickets in five appearances while maintaining an economy rate of 8.67.

Kuldip, a right-arm pacer, previously represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, making three appearances across the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Chennai have secured his services for INR 30 lakh.

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