Chris Silverwood, the head coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team, has stepped down from his position following the team's disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup. His resignation comes shortly after former captain Mahela Jayawardene resigned from his role as the consultant coach on Wednesday.
Chris Silverwood announced his decision to step down on Thursday, citing personal reasons and the need to spend more time with his family. "Being an international coach means long periods away from loved ones. After lengthy conversations with my family and with a heavy heart, I feel it is now time for me to return home and spend some quality time together," Silverwood stated.
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and mentioned that he will carry many fond memories from his tenure.
Sri Lanka's performance in the T20 World Cup was lacklustre, with the team failing to advance beyond the group stages. They recorded two losses, one no-result, and only one win, marking their worst performance in the history of the ICC showpiece event.
Despite the recent setbacks, Silverwood's tenure saw some notable successes, including, winning the T20 Asia Cup in 2022, and reaching the final of the 50-over Asia Cup, where they lost to India as well as securing bilateral series wins both at home and abroad, including a significant victory against Australia in the 50-over format and two away Test series wins over Bangladesh.
With Silverwood's departure, SLC has initiated the process of finding a new head coach. The search comes ahead of the team's next international series against India, which includes white-ball matches.
Following the India series, Sri Lanka will travel to England for a two-match Test series.
Mahela Jayawardene, a former Sri Lankan captain and an influential figure in the team, resigned from his role as the consultant coach just a day before Silverwood's resignation. His departure further underscores the challenges facing the Sri Lankan cricket team.
The recent resignations highlight a period of transition and potential instability within Sri Lankan cricket. Finding a suitable replacement for Silverwood will be crucial for the team's preparation and performance in the upcoming series.
The new coach will have the task of rebuilding the team's confidence and form, particularly with significant fixtures against India and England on the horizon.
Chris Silverwood's resignation marks the end of a significant chapter for Sri Lankan cricket. His tenure had its high points, but the recent T20 World Cup performance has necessitated a change. As Sri Lanka Cricket moves forward, securing a new head coach who can lead the team through its next challenges will be essential for their future success.