Kumar Sangakkara has expressed interest in coaching England’s limited-overs cricket team, calling it an “exciting opportunity.” However, he emphasized that he has not yet been officially contacted about the position. The England and Wales Cricket Board is seeking a new head Coach for their white-ball team after dismissing Matthew Mott on Tuesday. Mott’s tenure included unsuccessful title defenses in both the 2023 50-over World Cup and the June T20 World Cup. Former England player Marcus Trescothick will temporarily manage the team for the upcoming one-day and T20 series against Australia in September. Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket, is looking for a permanent replacement for Mott.
Sangakkara, a former Sri Lanka star, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the job, partly due to his experience in the Indian Premier League, where he worked with England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler at the Rajasthan Royals.
The 46-year-old ex-cricketer from Sri Lanka, who was both a wicketkeeper and a batsman, didn’t reveal much on Friday.
Sangakkara, who is part of the Sky Sports commentary team for The Hundred, said to Britain’s PA news agency, “I’ve heard my name mentioned for some reason, but nobody has actually contacted me.”
He added, “I think the England white-ball job is a great opportunity for anyone, but there are many qualified people who could do it. I believe Matthew Mott has been doing a really good job.”
“It’s fantastic that Jos Buttler is continuing in his leadership position as the team moves forward. This is a good period for the team, both now and in the past, and it aligns with their goals for the future.
“I believe the decisions made by the England team management have been perfect. I greatly admire the leadership provided by Rob Key…I think he is a very wise and practical leader, making decisions based on common sense and looking ahead to shape the future of English cricket.”
Sangakkara, who is the first non-British president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord’s, also said: “I am very pleased right now. My time with the Rajasthan Royals has been very rewarding, and it’s a role I have thoroughly enjoyed for the past four years.”
Meanwhile, Sangakkara is happy that fellow Sri Lankan Chamari Athapaththu is playing for Oval Invincibles in the Hundred. She recently led the Sri Lanka women’s team to victory in the Asia Cup.
“I’m thrilled Ben Stokes is playing, but I’m even more thrilled that Chamari Athapaththu is getting a chance to play. She has been an excellent and inspiring leader and captain for Sri Lanka in international cricket,” Sangakkara said.
