India or Pakistan? Sanath Jayasuriya set to join this Asian team after Sri Lanka exit

Legendary batter Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step away from his position as the head coach of the Sri Lankan National Cricket Team. Sanath Jayasuriya made this decision soon after Sri Lanka’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2026.

The Islanders failed to win a single match in the Super 8 round, and their campaign ended on a painful note after a narrow defeat against Pakistan. The loss ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of finishing the tournament with some pride in front of the home crowd.

Sanath Jayasuriya decides to step down as Sri Lanka's head coach

Sanath Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by ANI: “I had hoped to end the World Cup on a ‘good note,' but couldn’t do that as much as I thought.”

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The former Sri Lankan opener had already been thinking about leaving the job for some time. He had reportedly informed the board earlier this year that he was planning to move on after the World Cup.

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The coach told the ICC, “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 to stay 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 on a good note. I couldn’t do that as much as I thought. I feel sorry about that.”

Jayasuriya’s contract with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is set to end in June 2026, and discussions about his future are expected soon. He added, “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 I have to do.”

Sanath Jayasuriya is likely to join the Bangladesh coaching staff

However, Jayasuriya has not yet submitted his resignation, but his name has started to be associated with new coaching roles. The Sri Lankan legend is reportedly in talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for a new role with the Bangladesh national cricket team.

If the deal goes through, Jayasuriya is likely to join the Bangladesh team as their batting coach. A Sri Lankan journalist posted, X: “Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya heads to Bangladesh. The revolutionary opener is in discussions with the BCB to become Bangladesh’s new batting coach.”

🚨BREAKING: Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya heads to Bangladesh.
The revolutionary opener is in discussions with the BCB to become Bangladesh’s new batting coach.

Could the master of explosive starts transform the Tigers’ top order? 🇧🇩🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/OEm9HTczJ4

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) March 7, 2026

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan series postponed amid Middle East war tensions

Meanwhile, the white-ball series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan has been postponed because of rising tensions in the Middle East. The matches were scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates from March 13 to March 25.

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However, the ongoing tense situation in the Middle East, especially in Dubai, due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel-USA has forced the SLC officials to delay the tour. There were also reports of a drone strike near Dubai International Airport, which created safety concerns among the officials.

The tour included six matches, including three T20Is in Sharjah on March 13, 15, and 17, and three ODIs on March 20, 21, and 23. They will announce new dates once the situation becomes safe for the game in the UAE.

Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to postpone the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Afghanistan in Sharjah and Dubai due to the current situation - Sources -

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) March 7, 2026