Double blow for Sri Lanka cricket as Chris Silverwood and Mahela Jayawardene resign coaching roles – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka’s head coach Chris Silverwood has stepped down from his role following the team’s disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

This decision comes after former captain Mahela Jayawardene resigned from the post of consultant coach on Wednesday. Silverwood cited the need to spend quality time with his family as the primary reason for his departure, acknowledging the long periods away from loved ones that come with being an international coach.


“Being an international coach means long periods 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. It has been a real honour for me to be part of Sri Lanka Cricket and I will be taking away many fond memories,” Silverwood said in his statement, as reported by PTI.

In his statement, Silverwood expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of Sri Lanka Cricket and mentioned that he will cherish the fond memories he has made during his tenure.

Despite the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, with only one win, two losses, and a no-result, Silverwood’s tenure was not without its successes.

Under his guidance, Sri Lanka won the T20 Asia Cup in 2022 and reached the final of the 50-over Asia Cup in 2021, where they lost to India. The team also secured several bilateral series wins, both at home and overseas, including a notable victory against Australia in the 50-over format and two away Test series wins over Bangladesh.


Silverwood’s departure marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket, as the team now begins the process of finding a new head coach ahead of their next international outing against India in a white-ball series next month. Following the series against India, the Lankans will travel to England for a two-match Test series.

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) has already initiated the process of identifying and appointing a new head coach to lead the team forward. This transition period presents an opportunity for the SLC to carefully evaluate potential candidates and select a coach who can build upon the successes achieved under Silverwood’s tenure while addressing the areas that require improvement.