Daijiworld Media Network – Colombo

Colombo, Mar 1: In a significant development for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down following Sri Lanka’s narrow five-run loss to Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekelle International Stadium on February 28.

Jayasuriya, who had already decided months ago that the World Cup would be his final assignment, said he had not formally informed SLC yet but wanted to hand over the role to someone else. “I thought it was time to give it to someone else. That's why about two months ago during the England series, I said I don't have hopes of staying in the job for long. I thought I'd be able to leave as coach on a good note in the World Cup. I wasn’t able to do that as well as I’d like, and I’m sad about that,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

He also hinted at fulfilling the remainder of his contract, which runs through June 2026, subject to discussions with the board. “My contract runs till June. I haven't given SLC any news officially yet. They don’t know that I am going to say this even. I will need to go and discuss with them. If they can get somebody [to coach the team] then definitely [they should do that],” Jayasuriya added.

Reflecting on his tenure, the former batting great highlighted the team’s improvements under his guidance. “Over the last one-and-a-half years I was able to bring the team from where we were. In ODIs we were ranked eighth or ninth and we didn’t even qualify for a Champions Trophy. But I was able to bring us to No. 4. I’ve brought the Test team to No. 6, and the T20 team is also sixth or seventh [currently eighth],” he said.

Jayasuriya’s resignation marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket as the board now prepares to search for a successor ahead of upcoming international assignments.