Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Sri Lanka Head Coach Until 2026 After Successful Interim Stint
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| Jayasuriya's contract extends until March 2026, coinciding with the upcoming T20 World Cup in early 2026. / Getty |
Sri Lanka cricket legend and former captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the national team's head coach on a permanent basis, following a successful interim spell in charge.
The 55-year-old took over in July 2024 after the departure of former England coach Chris Silverwood. Jayasuriya will now lead the side until March 2026, a period that includes the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host with India.
Jayasuriya, already regarded as one of the greatest players in Sri Lankan cricket history, guided the team to significant victories during his short time as interim coach. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka secured a win in the third Test against England at The Oval, salvaging a 2-1 series defeat. This was followed by a 2-0 home Test series victory over New Zealand, further boosting Sri Lanka’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 World Test Championship final.
Known for his aggressive batting and effective left-arm spin, Jayasuriya played 110 Tests, 445 ODIs, and 31 T20Is for Sri Lanka, and was a key member of the 1996 World Cup-winning team. He also reached the 2007 World Cup final with the team, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most destructive openers.
Since retiring, Jayasuriya has stayed involved with Sri Lankan cricket in various capacities, including a stint as the country's chief selector. However, his post-playing career was not without controversy, as he was banned for two years in 2019 for breaching the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption code.
Despite this setback, Jayasuriya's return to coaching has been met with optimism, as his leadership appears to have revitalized the Sri Lankan side. Prior to the Test series in England, he also oversaw an ODI series victory against India, further demonstrating his ability to inspire the team in various formats.
Sri Lanka's Cricket Board has expressed confidence in Jayasuriya’s ability to guide the team through an important period, with the next T20 World Cup in 2026 looming large on the horizon.