Jayasuriya to step down as Sri Lanka coach after Pakistan clash, say reports

SLC
Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Jayasuriya
Online Desk
Online Desk
Sanath Jayasuriya will step down as Sri Lanka’s head coach after their final ICC Men's T20 World Cup match against Pakistan national cricket team on February 28 in Pallekele, according to reports.

Although his contract runs until March 31, 2026, Jayasuriya had already announced in January that he would not continue beyond the home World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s campaign ended in disappointment after failing to meet expectations against England and New Zealand, with injuries to Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana compounding their struggles.

Jayasuriya began his stint in July 2024 as interim coach and quickly made an impact, guiding Sri Lanka to a 2-0 ODI series win over India, their first bilateral ODI triumph against them in 27 years, and a historic Test victory over England at The Oval.

He was appointed full-time on October 1, 2024, and later oversaw a 2-0 Test sweep of New Zealand, briefly lifting Sri Lanka to third in the World Test Championship standings.

Across his tenure, Sri Lanka played 74 matches in all formats under Jayasuriya, winning 34, losing 38, with two no-results.

The clash against Pakistan in Kandy will now serve as his farewell, closing a coaching chapter marked by notable highs but ending short of a World Cup breakthrough.