Jayawardene, Silverwood Resigns From Sri Lanka Roles After Disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 Campaign

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Thursday (June 27) announced the resignation of Mahela Jayawardene and Chris Silverwood from their respecrive roles in the national team following a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the West Indies and USA.

Sri Lanka failed to reach the Super Eights in the T20 World Cup, where they lost to South Africa and Bangladesh in the Group Stage, and could just register one win against Netherlands with their game against Nepal beign washed out due to rain.

With just three points, Lanka finished at third spot in Group D of the first round behind South Africa and Bangladesh. And on the aftermath, SLC issued statemens announcing conslutant coach Jayawardene and head coach Silverwood's resignations.

"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Mr. Mahela Jayawardena, who served as the 'Consultant Coach' of the SLC, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect," SLC said in the statement.

"Jayawardena, during his tenure, helped implement significant changes to the structure of the national team ecosystem and the High-Performance Centre. Sri Lanka Cricket takes this opportunity to wish Mahela all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for the services he rendered during his tenure."

In another statement, the SLC said: "Mr. Chris Silverwood, head coach of the national team, has tendered his resignation from the position, citing personal reasons."

Silverwood, who had been in the role since April 2022 and extended his tenure last April till the T20 World Cup, thanked the players, coaches, backroom staff, and management of SLC.

"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," said Silverwood.

"I would like to thank the players, coaches, backroom staff, and management of the SLC for their support during my time in Sri Lanka. Without your support, none of the success would have been possible," he further expressed.

'It has been a real honour for me to be part of Sri Lanka Cricket and I will be taking away many fond memories," added Silverwood.

Under Silverwood, Sri Lanka had won the T20 Asia Cup in 2022 and also reached the finals of the 50-over Asia Cup in 2023. Additionally, the team secured several bilateral series wins both at home and overseas.