Sanath Jayasuriya's success forces SLC to offer the head coach 1-year contract extension

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is reportedly extending Sanath Jayasuriya's contract as men's team head coach for a year following the team's success in recent months. According to a recent report by ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka Cricket has approved the extension of Sanath Jayasuriya's contract for another year.

Jayasuriya was appointed as interim head coach for Sri Lanka after Chris Silverwood's resignation. Sri Lanka failed to reach the Super 8 stage during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga also stepped down as T20I captain due to the national cricket team's disappointing exit.

Sri Lanka Cricket To Extend Sanath Jayasuriya's Tenure as Interim Coach

Sri Lanka Cricket is in the final stages of negotiating a long-term contract with Sanath Jayasuriya after improved performance under his leadership. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said that more details about the contract would be available soon, likely within the next few days.

"We are in the final stages of negotiating the contract with him. Probably in the next two or three days you will get to hear more," board CEO Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo.

The former Sri Lanka skipper took over the coaching role just before the series against India. However, the team suffered a 0-3 whitewash against India in their first assignment. The Sri Lanka team bounced back from the T20I series loss and then pulled off a 2-0 win in the subsequent ODI series.

Sri Lanka struggled in the three-match Test series against England by losing the first two matches. However, the Sri Lankan team bounced back with a victory in the third and final Test in England. Asitha Fernando excelled with his bowling, and Dhananjaya de Silva showcased strong leadership qualities.

The team continued their dominance in the two-match Test series against New Zealand at home. They started the series with a 63-run victory, followed by a convincing innings and 154-run victory in the second Test. The home team completed a 2-0 clean sweep victory over the Tim Southee-led side.

Sanath Jayasuriya Was Superb - Angelo Mathews

Veteran Sri Lanka player Angelo Mathews recently praised Sanath Jayasuriya's leadership, describing his taking over of the team as a "turning point." Mathews highlighted Jayasuriya's communication skills and the freedom he has provided to the team.

"Sanath Jayasuriya was superb as cricket director and now as coach. He communicates well and has given us a lot of freedom. We are all working towards one goal, and now everyone is on the same page. He's also done a superb job grooming the players. He has been amazing. I wish him all the very best," Mathews said.

Jayasuriya was earlier appointed as a cricket consultant for one year in December. Jayasuriya had also worked as the chief selector, but his previous terms were marked by underwhelming performances from the men's team. However, his current tenure has shown more stability and positive results.

Also read: Revealed: Why Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan were left out of India squad for Bangladesh T20Is?