Sanath Jayasuriya’s Stint As Head Coach Likely To Be Extended

Sanath Jayasuriya is on the verge of having his contract as the head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team extended for another year, following a highly successful interim stint.

ayasuriya, who took over in July 2024 after the departure of Chris Silverwood, has overseen impressive performances, including a series win over India in ODIs and notable Test victories, such as a triumph at The Oval and a dominant win against New Zealand in Galle.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had initially advertised for a permanent head coach after Silverwood’s exit, but the significant improvements seen under Jayasuriya’s leadership have led the board to consider securing him on a long-term basis. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva confirmed that contract negotiations are in their final stages, and an official announcement is expected soon.

Jayasuriya initially joined the team as a cricket consultant in December 2023, focusing on the High Performance Centre. However, his involvement with the national team increased during the 2024 T20 World Cup, eventually leading to his interim head coach role. Despite a few setbacks, such as a T20I series loss to India and two Test defeats in England, his tenure has been marked by more successes than failures.

Jayasuriya’s leadership has rejuvenated Sri Lanka, with the team now in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship final. Players have expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with senior player Angelo Mathews calling Jayasuriya’s impact a “turning point” for the team. Mathews praised the coach’s communication and his ability to give players the freedom to express themselves while aligning them towards a common goal.

Jayasuriya, a former chief selector with mixed results in earlier stints, has now helped bring stability and progress to Sri Lankan cricket. His potential new contract is expected to last through the current World Test Championship cycle, and if his recent results are anything to go by, Sri Lanka could be on the path to sustained success under his leadership.