NEW DELHI: Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down as Sri Lanka national cricket team head coach following his side’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka failed to win a single match in the Super 8 stage. Earlier in the tournament, they suffered a shock defeat to Zimbabwe national cricket team but managed victories over Australia national cricket team, Oman national cricket team and Ireland cricket team in the preliminary round.
"My contract ends in June but I will step down before that. I will speak to Sri Lanka Cricket regarding my resignation," Jayasuriya told reporters after Sri Lanka’s loss to Pakistan national cricket team on Saturday.
"We should have performed much better. I am sorry and I apologize to the fans," added Jayasuriya, who was the player of the tournament when Sri Lanka lifted the 1996 Cricket World Cup title.
Injuries and inconsistency hurt Sri Lanka
Jayasuriya said the team struggled badly due to injuries to Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Kusal Mendis.
"Their replacements were unable to deliver at the required level. Hasaranga was my key player and it is not easy to find someone like him," he said, pointing to inconsistency in both batting and bowling as major reasons behind the team’s poor showing.
He also noted that during his one and a half year tenure, Sri Lanka made progress in the ICC rankings across formats.
(With PTI Inputs)
