Chris Silverwood resigns as head coach of Sri Lanka national cricket team

Colombo: Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood resigned from his post on Thursday following the team’s dismal performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, the SLC announced.

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene resigned from his post as advisory coach on Wednesday.

“As an international coach, I have been away from my loved ones for a long time. After long discussions with my family and with a heavy heart, I feel that now is the time to return home (England) and spend some quality time with them,” Silverwood, who played six Tests and seven ODIs for England as a pacer, said in his statement.

“It has been a great honour to be part of Sri Lankan cricket and I will take away many fond memories,” added Silverwood.

Sri Lanka were eliminated in the group stages of the T20 World Cup with two defeats, no results and a single win and it was the former champions’ worst performance at the ICC showpiece.

During Silverwood’s tenure, Lanka won the 2022 T20 Asia Cup and also reached the final of the 50-over Asia Cup last year, where they lost to India.

They also secured a number of victories in bilateral series at home and abroad, including one against Australia in the 50-over format and two away wins in Test series against Bangladesh.

The SLC has already begun the search for a new head coach for the team’s next international match next month in a white-ball series against India.

The Sri Lankans will then travel to England for a two-match test series.