Mahela Jayawardene Resigns as Sri Lanka Consultant Coach

Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lankan batting legend, has resigned as the team's consultant coach after just six months into his one-year extension. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced Jayawardene's resignation with immediate effect, citing his desire to step down due to misalignment with the current decision-making process.

Jayawardene's tenure as consultant coach was marked by significant changes to the national team ecosystem and the High-Performance Center. He played a pivotal role in implementing a cultural shift within Sri Lanka cricket, emphasizing the importance of the National Super League and technical improvements at the High Performance Centre.

Despite mixed results on the field, including an Asia Cup triumph in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023, Jayawardene's contributions behind the scenes were highly valued by SLC. However, his absence at the ongoing T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies raised eyebrows, with Sanath Jayasuriya, appointed as cricket consultant in December 2022, accompanying the team instead.

In his resignation letter, Jayawardene expressed his concerns about the current decision-making process, stating that it was no longer fully aligned with the direction he had been taking. He emphasized the importance of data and performance analytics, areas where he believed there was a lack of alignment.

Jayawardene's resignation comes as a surprise, given SLC's previous desire to extend his role. However, it highlights the challenges faced by coaches in navigating the complex decision-making processes within cricket boards.

Despite his departure, Jayawardene's legacy as a coach remains intact. He is the second-most successful coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having led the Mumbai Indians to five titles. He currently serves as the global head of performance for the Mumbai Indians and its franchises.

Tags: #MahelaJayawardene, #SriLankaCricket, #ConsultantCoach, #Resignation, #NationalTeamEcosystem