Legendary batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down from the post of head coach of the Sri Lankan national cricket team. Sanath Jayasuriya took this decision immediately after Sri Lanka’s disappointing defeat in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The Islanders failed to win a single match in the Super 8 round and their campaign ended on a painful note after a close defeat against Pakistan. The defeat ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of finishing the tournament with glory in front of the home crowd.
Sanath Jayasuriya decides to step down as Sri Lankan head coach
“I expected the World Cup to end on a ‘good note’, but it didn’t do as well as I thought,” ANI quoted Sanath Jayasuriya as saying.
The former Sri Lankan opener was thinking about leaving the job for a long time. He had reportedly informed the board earlier this year that he was planning to move on after the World Cup.
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The coach told the ICC, “I thought I should give this title to someone else. That’s why I said two months ago during the England series that I have no plans to stay here. So, I said this after taking the decision. I thought that after the World Cup, I would be able to leave here as a coach on a good note. I could not do as much as I thought. I am sad about that.”
Jayasuriya’s contract with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is set to expire in June 2026, and discussions regarding his future are expected to take place soon. He said, “My contract is expiring in June. I have not told Sri Lanka Cricket my official decision or anything. I have to go and discuss with them. I have to talk about what to do.”
Sanath Jayasuriya likely to join Bangladesh coaching staff
Although Jayasuriya has not tendered his resignation yet, his name has started being linked with new coaching roles. The Sri Lankan legend is reportedly in talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for a new role in the Bangladesh national cricket team.
If this deal is successful then Jayasuriya can join as the batting coach of Bangladesh team. A Sri Lankan journalist posted,
BREAKING: Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya leaves for Bangladesh.
The revolutionary opening batsman is in discussions with BCB to become Bangladesh’s new batting coach.Can the master of explosive starts transform the Tigers’ top order? pic.twitter.com/OEm9HTczJ4
– Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) 7 March 2026
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan series postponed amid Middle East war tensions
Meanwhile, the white-ball series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan has been postponed due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The matches were scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from March 13 to March 25.
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However, the ongoing tense situation in the Middle East, especially Dubai, due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel-US has forced SLC officials to delay the tour. There were also reports of drone strikes near Dubai International Airport, raising security concerns among authorities.
The tour consisted of six matches, including three T20 matches in Sharjah on 13, 15 and 17 March and three ODI matches on 20, 21 and 23 March. They will announce new dates once conditions are safe for sport in the UAE.
Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to postpone the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah and Dubai due to the current situation – Sources –
– Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) 7 March 2026