Chris Silverwood resigns as head coach of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan national cricket team’s head coach, Chris Silverwood, has resigned. Following the team’s underwhelming results at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, the former England coach quit.

When Chris Silverwood joined Sri Lanka, the side did well, winning the 2022 T20 Asia Cup and making it to the finals of the 2023 50-over Asia Cup.

Notable bilateral series triumphs were also achieved by Sri Lanka under his direction, including two away Test series victories over Bangladesh and an ODI series victory at home against Australia.

Meanwhile, Chris Silverwood gave the hard nature of the work as his excuse for leaving, claiming personal concerns.

“Working as an international coach requires extended time away from family and friends. In a statement released by SLC, Silverwood stated, “After long talks with my family and with a heavy heart, I feel it is now time for me to return home and spend some quality time together.

“I want to express my gratitude to the SLC management, backroom crew, coaches, and players for their support throughout my time in Sri Lanka. None of the success would have been possible without your help. I will be leaving with many happy memories; it has been a true honour for me to be a member of Sri Lanka Cricket,” he continued.

Mahela Jayawardene resigns from her position as consultant coach for Sri Lanka

Mahela Jayawardene, a former captain of Sri Lanka, also resigned from his job as consultant coach prior to Silverwood’s departure. Jayawardene had held the post since 2022.

The T20 World Cup performance of the team captained by Wanindu Hasaranga was especially disappointing. Against South Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands in Group D of the first round, the former champions were unable to advance past the first round.

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Their hopes were seriously damaged by early defeats to Bangladesh and South Africa, and their match against Nepal was a complete washout. The team’s lone victory, against the Netherlands, was insufficient to guarantee them a spot in the next round.

Sri Lanka’s attention will turn to the forthcoming white-ball series against India in July and August as they attempt to recover from these defeats. The three T20Is and three ODIs in the series will provide the team a chance to recover and move past their recent setbacks.