“I have a more focused approach on High-Performance Unit and Under-19 cricket and these two areas are very important to build up Sri Lanka cricket,” said Sri Lanka Cricket’s Overall Consultant, Sanath Jayasuriya.
The former Sri Lanka skipper Jayasuriya, has taken on a new role, hoping to use his ability to develop cricket during the challenging period.
“The new job is a challenge for me, but as usual, I am very keen to take up this challenge and give more than a hundred per cent effort to build up cricket,” said Jayasuriya.
“School Under-19 cricket is more important and we have to focus on junior cricket. The Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team did not meet expectations at the Asia Cup and I think we have to address this. Something has to change, but it has to be done very carefully,” said Jayasuriya.
“The High-Performance Centre (HPC) at the R. Pramadasa Stadium is the most important place for cricket development, and we have to maintain it well,” he stated.
Jayasuriya highlighted the need to coordinate with national selectors and provincial selectors as well as coaches.
“We saw some failures at the World Cup, and we have to move forward with good performance,” he said Jayasuriya.
“At this stage, I don’t blame any official coach or the selectors. They all have done a good job, and it’s a challenging one. We have to get together to achieve success,” he said.
Discussing the HPC facilities, Jayasuriya pointed out the necessity of a modern technology gymnasium, player accommodation, and a cafeteria.
“We want to look into all these areas and coordinate with SLC officials,” he said.
Speaking about wickets in domestic cricket tournaments, he said, “The standard of the wickets, especially favouring spinners most of the time, needs to change. We want a high standard for the domestic structure, and this is the best place to develop our cricketers’ skills at domestic level.”
Jayasuriya mentioned discussions with coaches consultant Mahela Jayawardena, the selection committee headed by Upul Tharanga, provincial selectors, and all coaches to make necessary changes.
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