Sanath Jayasuriya Resigns as Sri Lanka's Head Coach Following T20 World Cup Exit

Sanath Jayasuriya Steps Down

Sanath Jayasuriya, the head coach of Sri Lanka, has announced his resignation from the coaching position. This decision follows the team's narrow defeat to Pakistan by five runs in their final Super Eight match during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Reflecting on the tournament, the former explosive left-handed batsman expressed disappointment, stating he had hoped to conclude the World Cup positively but felt he fell short of that goal. As co-hosts, Sri Lanka had already been eliminated from semifinal contention and could not finish their campaign with a victory.

Jayasuriya mentioned that he believed it was time to pass the coaching responsibilities to someone new, a decision he had contemplated during the England series earlier. He remarked, "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 staying here. I hoped to leave as coach on a high note after the World Cup, but unfortunately, that did not happen, and I regret that."

He also indicated that he would be discussing his future with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, noting, "My contract concludes in June. I have not made any official announcements to Sri Lanka Cricket yet. I need to have a conversation with them about my next steps."

In the match against Pakistan, despite half-centuries from captain Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake, Sri Lanka fell short after Pakistan set a target of 212/8, bolstered by a remarkable 176-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84). Ultimately, Pakistan also missed out on a semifinal berth due to their net run rate.