Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has chosen to step aside from his position following the team’s narrow five-run defeat to Pakistan in their final Super Eights fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The announcement came shortly after the loss, with the former attacking left-hander admitting he had hoped to sign off from the World Cup on a “good note” but fell short of that expectation.
Sri Lanka, who were co-hosts of the tournament, had already been eliminated from semifinal contention and were unable to close their campaign with a victory.
Jayasuriya revealed that the decision had been on his mind for some time and that he had indicated during the England series earlier this year that he did not intend to continue long-term.
“I thought I should give that title to someone else. That’s why I mentioned two months ago during the England series that I have no plans staying here. So, I said that after taking that decision. I thought from the World Cup, I would be able to leave here as the coach in a good note. I couldn’t do that as much as I thought. I feel sorry about that,” the former Sri Lankan cricketer said as quoted by the ICC website.
He further clarified that formal discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket are yet to take place.
“My contract ends in June. I have not given my official decision or anything to Sri Lanka Cricket. I have to go and discuss with them. Have to talk about what do I have to do,” he added.
In the match against Pakistan, half-centuries from captain Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake were not enough to chase down a formidable 212 for 8, which was built on a 176-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84).
Despite the win, Pakistan also failed to progress to the semifinals, missing out on net run rate to New Zealand national cricket team.
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