Jayawardene, Silverwood Resign From Sri Lanka Cricket After T20 World Cup Campaign

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced on Thursday, June 27, that Mahela Jayawardene and Chris Silverwood have resigned from their respective roles in the national team. This decision follows a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign held in the West Indies and USA.

Sri Lanka's performance in the T20 World Cup was underwhelming. They failed to advance to the Super Eights, losing to South Africa and Bangladesh in the Group Stage. Their only win came against the Netherlands, while their match against Nepal was washed out due to rain.

With just three points, Sri Lanka finished third in Group D of the first round, behind South Africa and Bangladesh. Following this outcome, SLC issued statements announcing the resignations of consultant coach Jayawardene and head coach Silverwood.

"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Mr. Mahela Jayawardena, who served as the 'Consultant Coach' of the SLC, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect," stated SLC.

Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Mr. Mahela Jayawardena, who served as the ‘Consultant Coach’ of the SLC, has tendered his resignation https://t.co/2nwRbw4MvA #SLC #SriLankaCricket

Sri Lanka Cricket ???????? (@OfficialSLC) June 26, 2024

"Jayawardena, during his tenure, helped implement significant changes to the structure of the national team ecosystem and the High-Performance Centre. Sri Lanka Cricket takes this opportunity to wish Mahela all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for the services he rendered during his tenure," continued SLC.

In another statement, SLC mentioned: "Mr. Chris Silverwood, head coach of the national team, has tendered his resignation from the position, citing personal reasons."

Silverwood's Tenure

Silverwood had been serving as head coach since April 2022 and extended his tenure last April until the T20 World Cup. He expressed gratitude towards players, coaches, backroom staff, and management of SLC.

"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," said Silverwood.

"I would like to thank the players, coaches, backroom staff, and management of the SLC for their support during my time in Sri Lanka. Without your support, none of the success would have been possible," he further expressed.

Acknowledging Achievements

'It has been a real honour for me to be part of Sri Lanka Cricket and I will be taking away many fond memories," added Silverwood.

Under Silverwood's leadership, Sri Lanka won the T20 Asia Cup in 2022 and reached the finals of the 50-over Asia Cup in 2023. The team also secured several bilateral series victories both at home and abroad.

The departure of both coaches marks a significant change for Sri Lanka Cricket as they look ahead to future challenges and opportunities within international cricket.