Chris Silverwood steps down as Sri Lanka Head Coach a day after Mahela Jayawardene's resignation

Chris Silverwood has stepped down as Sri Lanka's head coach after the team's disappointing performances during the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. Chris Silverwood's resignation came a day after Mahela Jayawardene resigned from his role as consultant coach.

The Wanindu Hasaranga-led side suffered a group-stage elimination from the ICC tournament. Sri Lanka managed to secure one victory against the Netherlands in the 2024 T20 World Cup. They lost to South Africa and Bangladesh and failed to advance to the Super Eight stages of the marquee tournament.

Chris Silverwood joined the Sri Lanka team as head coach in April 2022. His contract was extended by Sri Lanka Cricket until the conclusion of the ongoing T20 World Cup. According to ESPNcricinfo, Silverwood resigned from his position before any internal discussions regarding extending his contract further.

Chris Silverwood Resigns As Sri Lanka Head Coach

Chris Silverwood resigned from his position as Sri Lanka's head coach on Thursday, June 27, citing personal reasons. In a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket, Silverwood thanked the players, coaches, backroom staff, and management of SLC for their support during his tenure as head 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,” said Silverwood in a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket.

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

Silverwood joined the Sri Lanka coaching staff in April 2022. The 49-year-old guided the team to a drawn Test series against Australia (1-1) and secured a 3-2 ODI series victory at home. Sri Lanka clinched the trophy in the 2022 Asia Cup in the UAE and reached the final of the 2023 edition under his leadership.

However, the Sri Lanka team finished ninth out of 10 teams in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The Lankan team managed to secure just two wins out of nine group-stage matches in the 50-over World Cup. Notably, the Island Nation also suffered a group-stage exit in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

The Sri Lankan cricket team will face the England cricket team in their next international appearance. The Lankans will play a three-match Test series against England in away conditions. The Dhananjaya de Silva-led team will be hoping to register their first series victory on English soil since their notable triumph in 2014.

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