Sanath Jayasuriya took over as interim coach after T20 World Cup 2024. (AFP Photo)

Sanath Jayasuriya appointed full-time Sri Lanka cricket team head coach

Sri Lanka cricket has confirmed the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya as the full-time coach of the men's team on Monday, October 7.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Jayasuriya took over as interim head coach after T20 World Cup 2024
  • Sri Lanka defeated India in ODI series under Jayasuriya's guidance
  • Jayasuriya has a contract till March 31, 2026

Sri Lanka cricket on Monday, October 7 has confirmed the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya as the permanent head coach of the men's team after their recent run of good form. Jayasuriya, who took over as the interim coach after the T20 World Cup 2024, will remain in the post until March 31, 2026.

In a statement released on their official X account, Sri Lanka cricket said that the executive committee made the call, taking into consideration the team's recent good performances against India, England and New Zealand where the former captain was assuming the role of head coach. The cricket board said that the appointment had already come into effect on October 1, 2024.

"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya as the head coach of the national team. The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket made this decision taking into consideration the team’s good performances in the recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand, where Jayasuriya was in charge as the ‘interim head coach.’. The appointment came into effect on October 1, 2024, and will remain until March 31, 2026," read the statement from Sri Lanka cricket.

Sri Lanka under coach Jayasuriya

The Sri Lankan team has seen a serious revival under the guidance of Jayasuriya as the coach. The former captain's tenure started with the India T20Is and ODIs where they were able to upset Rohit Sharma and Co. in the 50-over format.

This was followed by the England tour, where they won the third Test to create history at the Oval. The Lankan Lions would then demolish New Zealand at home to win the series 2-0. Jayasuriya's first assignment as the full-time coach will be the T20I and ODI series against the West Indies, which will start from October 13.