SLC hoping bigger role from Mahela Jayawardene moving forward

News is making rounds that Sri Lanka has tapped Mahela Jayawardene and several ex-players – Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, and Rangana Herath – to replace head coach Mickey Arthur who will join Derbyshire CCC early next month after the two West Indies Test series. The 44-year-old Jayawardene worked on improving the morale of the Sri Lankan team during the latest T20 World Cup. He is also serving as a consultant for the U-19 team in an ‘honorary’ capacity. However, he doesn’t prefer a full-time assignment and wants ‘clarity’.

Reacting to the speculations over his potential involvement as Consultant Coach of the Sri Lanka National team, Jayawardene has revealed that so far no one has spoken to him in this regard.

“No one has spoken to me, it should be asked to them (concerned authorities)” Mahela said.

Meanwhile, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), led by legend Aravinda de Silva, has also made it clear that so far no name has been suggested to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), as the priority is to put a structure in place.

“We haven’t suggested any former player name for any coaching role. In the next few days, we are having a couple of meetings with the SLC hierarchy on these matters. First, we want to put a proper structure in place. Then only, will take things forward” added De Silva.