Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood has resigned following Sri Lanka’s early exit from the ongoing T-20 World Cup, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed this news yesterday. Silverwood’s resignation comes just days after he was given an extension until Sri Lanka’s tour of England in August.
His original contract finished last April but it was extended until the T-20 World Cup and second time also extended until the forthcoming England Test series.
SLC stated that Silverwood is on right track to deliver the results for the national side. However, he was not keen to stay for short term. SLC also wish Silverwood the best of luck in the future and appreciated his service to Sri Lanka cricket.
The former English coach Silverwood said being an international coach means long period away from loved ones. After lengthy conversations 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 also like to thank Sri Lanka players, coaches backroom staff and management of the SLC for their support during my time in Sri Lanka. Without your support none of the success would have been possible added Silverwood.
He further said it has been a real honour for me to be a part of Sri Lanka Cricket and I will be taking away many fond memories added Silverwood.
Under the guidance of Silverwood Sri Lanka team won T-20 Asia cup in 2022 and also reached the finals of 50 over Asia cup in 2023. In addition Sri Lanka team secured several bilateral series wins against Australia in the 50 over tournament and two away Test series wins over Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka’s next assignment is a white ball home series against India. India’s tour of Sri Lanka consists of 3 ODIs and 3 T-20Is. With Gautam Gambhir is certain to take over as team India new coach from Sri Lanka series, many fringe players are expected to make a cut in the new looking T-20 squad, while for ODIs, a full strength team is expected to be picked, stated India media.
Sri Lanka head coach Silverwood and Consaltant coach Mahela Jayawardena already rendered their resignation and SLC is expected to fulfill these posts immediately. Especially present High Performance Unit Consaltant Sanath Jayasuriya has a big role to make good set up for the Sri Lanka team to go forward.
Dhammika Ratnaweera
