Mahela Jayawardene Appointed As Consultant To Sri Lanka For Round 1 Of T20 World Cup

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has been appointed as Consultant to the Sri Lanka cricket team for Round 1 of the T20 World Cup, to be played in Oman and the UAE, announced the board on Friday.

Mahela Jayawardena is already in the UAE where he is currently coaching the Mumbai Indians, in IPL 2021. He will join the Sri Lanka team in UAE immediately after the completion of the ongoing Indian Premier League; the bio-bubble to bio-bubble transfer has been allowed by the ICC.

“He will share his vast experience and provide invaluable strategic support for the players and management team during a 7-day period from 16-23 October when the team will play Namibia, Ireland, and the Netherlands as they seek to qualify for the Group Stages,” the SLC state in a release on Friday.

Mahela Jayawardene also takes role of Consultant and Mentor for Sri Lanka Under 19 team

The legendary batsman has also accepted the invitation to be a ‘Consultant and Mentor’ for Sri Lanka Under 19 team and help them in preparation for next year’s ICC Under 19 World Cup, to be held in the West Indies. His 5-month role with the U19 side will be performed in an ‘Honorary’ capacity.

‘’We are very happy to welcome Mahela into his new roles, as his presence with the Sri Lanka Team and the U19 Team is going to help the players immensely,’’ said Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.

‘’From his playing days, Mahela was respected for the vast cricketing knowledge he brought into the game, first as a player, then as a Captain, now as a Coach for different teams,’’ De Silva further added.

Mahela Jayawardena, who scored over 25000 international runs for his country, has been appointed to the dual roles by Sri Lanka Cricket’s Executive Committee after recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket.

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