Chris Silverwood has stepped down as the head coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team, citing personal reasons. The 49-year-old was appointed in April 2022 and oversaw several major competitions, including the 2022 T20 World Cup, the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Sri Lankan team performed poorly in these tournaments and was knocked out of the ongoing T20 World Cup at the group stage, winning only once in three matches.
Chris Silverwood steps down as head coach
Although Chris Silverwood has a good track record as a head coach, having managed England Cricket Team from 2019 to 2022, there was no improvement in the performance of Sri Lanka cricket team. The 1996 World Cup winner failed to get past the group stage in the last three world cups, twice in T20 World Cups (2022, 2024) and in the 2023 ODI World Cup as well.
“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.
“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.”
Mahela Jayawardene also resigned as consultant of Sri Lanka team
Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) will have to find two replacements as Mahela Jayawardene has also resigned from his post of consultant to Sri Lanka Cricket team. The former Mumbai Indians coach oversaw big changes to the structure of Sri Lankan Cricket team management.
SLC will have to find the replacement soon as the Indian Cricket Team will be touring the Island nation for the white-ball tour, during which the two nations will be playing 3 T20I and 3 ODIs. Sri Lankan cricket team will then head to England for a two-match Test Series.