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.

India Women capped off a dominant tour with another composed performance, defeating Sri Lanka Women by 15 runs in the fifth and final T20I to complete a 5–0 clean sweep of the series. The result underlined India’s superiority throughout the tour, as they consistently controlled key phases of play and delivered under pressure.

Batting first, India Women posted an imposing 175 for 7 from their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who led from the front with a commanding 68 off 43 balls. After early setbacks that saw Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini and Harleen Deol depart inside the powerplay, India required stability — and Harmanpreet provided exactly that.

The skipper rotated the strike efficiently before accelerating with authority, striking nine boundaries and a six to maintain momentum. Support came in patches, with Amanjot Kaur contributing a useful 21, but it was the late surge that lifted India to a formidable total. Arundhati Reddy produced a stunning cameo, remaining unbeaten on 27 from just 11 deliveries, her clean striking in the death overs decisively shifting momentum in India’s favour.

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Kavisha Dilhari and Chamari Athapaththu were the standouts, claiming two wickets apiece, but the attack struggled to contain India in the closing stages.

Chasing 176, Sri Lanka Women responded with intent and determination. Hasini Perera starred at the top of the order with a fluent 65 off 42 balls, while Imesha Dulani compiled a composed 50, keeping the chase alive with a crucial partnership that threatened to tilt the contest.

India, however, showcased their experience and composure. Timely breakthroughs in the middle overs stalled Sri Lanka’s momentum, with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Vaishnavi Sharma and Shree Charani all making important contributions with the ball. Sharp fielding — highlighted by a crucial run-out — further tightened India’s grip on the match.

Despite a late push from Rashmika Sewwandi, Sri Lanka finished on 160 for 7, falling 15 runs short of the target.

The victory sealed a comprehensive 5–0 series whitewash for India Women, reflecting their consistency, squad depth, and tactical clarity throughout the series. Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and match-winning performance in the final game perfectly encapsulated India’s dominance as they closed the tour on a resounding high.

Brief Scores

India Women 175/7 in 20 overs

Harmanpreet Kaur 68 (43), Arundhati Reddy 27* (11)

Kavisha Dilhari 2/11, Chamari Athapaththu 2/21

Sri Lanka Women 160/7 in 20 overs

Hasini Perera 65 (42), Imesha Dulani 50 (39)

Deepti Sharma 1/28, Sneh Rana 1/3

England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

England have opted for continuity and stability by retaining Harry Brook as captain for their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in 2026, as preparations intensify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later that year.

The tour, which forms a key part of England’s World Cup build-up, will feature three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, with matches scheduled to be played in Colombo and Kandy. With Sri Lanka set to co-host the global tournament alongside India, the series is expected to serve as a valuable rehearsal under subcontinent conditions.

Balanced Squads with an Eye on the Future

England’s selections reflect a careful blend of experience and emerging talent. Josh Tongue has earned his maiden IT20 call-up following strong domestic performances, while Brydon Carse continues to cement his role as a versatile pace option across formats.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer remains part of England’s long-term World Cup plans and has been named in the provisional ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad, though he will not travel to Sri Lanka as he continues his recovery from injury.

Will Jacks returns to the white-ball setup after missing England’s previous assignment, adding depth to both the batting and bowling units, while Zak Crawley’s recall to the ODI squad marks his return to the format after more than two years.

Experience Key in Subcontinent Conditions

Senior figures Jos Buttler and Joe Root provide leadership and experience, particularly important as England fine-tune combinations and roles in conditions similar to those expected during the World Cup.

Spin is expected to play a decisive role throughout the series, with Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson likely to shoulder major responsibility. England’s batting group will focus on adapting to slower surfaces, where shot selection and strike rotation will be critical.

Tour Schedule and World Cup Focus

England’s tour party is scheduled to depart on January 18, 2026, with the series getting underway at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the Sri Lanka tour represents an important opportunity for England to build momentum, establish clarity in selection, and gain confidence under Brook’s leadership.

England Men’s IT20 Squad – Sri Lanka Tour & Provisional ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer* (ICC Men’s T20 World Cup only), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse* (Sri Lanka tour only), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

England Men’s ODI Squad – Sri Lanka Tour

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Luke Wood