Sanath Jayasuriya has stepped down as the head coach of Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team from March 1, 2026. He informed Sri Lanka Cricket after the team’s exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The decision came soon after Sri Lanka’s narrow loss to Pakistan in their final Super 8 match in Pallekele on February 28. That defeat ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Jayasuriya’s contract was originally set to run until June 2026, though some terms mentioned March 31. He asked for an early release so the board can begin the search for a new coach.
He may still guide the team in the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Afghanistan, starting March 13 in Sharjah. Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to announce a replacement.
Mixed Results During His Tenure
Jayasuriya first took charge as interim coach in July 2024. He was confirmed as full-time head coach in October the same year.
Under him, Sri Lanka played 74 matches across formats. They won 34, lost 38, and had two no results. The numbers show a mixed run, with some big highs and tough lows.
One of the proudest moments was the ODI series win against India in August 2024. It was Sri Lanka’s first bilateral ODI series win over India in 27 years.
The team also beat England in a Test at The Oval in September 2024. Later, they completed a 2-0 Test series sweep over New Zealand at home, which lifted team morale.
However, the T20 format proved difficult. Sri Lanka suffered four straight losses during the home T20 World Cup. Earlier this year, England had also beaten them 3-0 in a T20I series.
In the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka reached the Super 8 stage but lost key matches to England and New Zealand. Those defeats proved costly.
Jayasuriya, a former Sri Lanka great, had taken up the coaching role during a rebuilding phase. While there were bright spots in Tests and ODIs, the shortest format remained a concern.
Now, Sri Lanka Cricket faces an important task. With major tours ahead and another T20 cycle beginning, the board must find a coach who can steady the side and rebuild confidence.
For Indian fans, Sri Lanka’s journey is always closely watched, especially after that rare ODI series defeat in 2024. The next few months could shape the future of Sri Lankan cricket.