Mahela Jayawardene steps down as Sri Lankan men's team's consultant
Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene has resigned as the national men's team's consultant with six months still left in his tenure. The ex middle-order batter started working with the team as a consultant in 2022, but mixed results with the Sri Lankan team prompted him to depart from the role.
The 47-year-old witnessed the Sri Lankan team lift the Asia Cup 2022 in the UAE. However, they performed poorly in the subsequent ICC tournaments, 2022 T20 World Cup, 2023 World Cup, and 2024 T20 World Cup, suffering group-stage exits in each of them. He was also reportedly absent from the Sri Lankan camp during T20 World Cup 2024.
In a letter accessed by ESPN Cricinfo, the Jayawardene stated:
"It has become apparent to me that current decision-making is no longer fully aligned with the direction we were taking in some of these areas, and after careful consideration, I have concluded that it is best I step down."
The 47-year-old still remains the global head of performance for IPL franchise Mumbai Indians and its franchises. He is the second most successful coach in all of IPL history.
SLC lauds Mahela Jayawardene's contribution:
Sri Lanka Cricket, who were keen to extend the legend's contract, released a statement, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, claiming:
"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Mr. Mahela Jayawardene, who served as the 'Consultant Coach' of the SLC, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect. Jayawardene, during his tenure, helped implement significant changes to the structure of the national team ecosystem and the High-Performance Center."
Sri Lanka suffered losses to Bangladesh and South Africa in T20 World Cup 2024, while the match against Nepal was washed out. The former champions' only victory came against The Netherlands, but it wasn't enough for them to progress to the Super 8 stage.
The Lankans will next be seen in international cricket against England when they lock horns in a three-match Test series away from home. Under Dhananjaya de Silva, they will be keen to secure their first series win on English soil since the famous victory in 2014.