![SLC looking to replace Sanath Jayasuriya with a foreign coach [Source: @ICCAsiaCrickett/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772346614245_SanathJayasuriyareplacement.jpg?type=hq)
SLC looking to replace Sanath Jayasuriya with a foreign coach [Source: @ICCAsiaCrickett/x.com]
After Sanath Jayasuriya made it clear he intends to step down as head coach, Sri Lanka Cricket have wasted no time in scanning the market. And now, it is official that the board has started negotiations with foreign candidates to take over the hot seat.
After a rollercoaster tenure and a mixed run of results, the board wants fresh energy in the dressing room and they want it in place before the next assignment for Sri Lanka.
SLC CEO breaks silence on the search
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva confirmed that talks are already underway for Sanath Jayasuriya's replacements. But don’t expect names just yet.
He told Sunday Times that negotiations are happening behind closed doors. However, the board is keeping its cards close to the chest.
“We have been negotiating with a few foreign coaches,” he said. And that’s about as much as he was willing to give away.
“We cannot reveal their identities at this stage, but as soon as discussions are finalised, we will make a public announcement," he added.
Foreign coach almost confirmed
One thing is crystal clear though that Sri Lanka are sticking with overseas expertise. Ashley de Silva confirmed Sanath Jayasuriya’s successor will be a foreign coach.
That means no local appointment this time as SLC want fresh ideas, fresh voices and maybe a different dressing room energy. It is a clear signal that the board believes an outside perspective can steady the ship.
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Race against time before Afghanistan series
Sri Lanka’s next assignment is a limited-overs series against Afghanistan in the UAE in mid-March, which is not far away.
The board is hopeful the new head coach will be finalised before that tour begins. They don’t want to walk into another series without clarity. They want the new man in place, boots on the ground and lans ready.
Sanath Jayasuriya’s numbers tell a mixed story
When Sanath Jayasuriya took charge, Sri Lanka were already in rough waters. The 2023 World Cup campaign had gone south. They failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy and had a dismal T20 World Cup 2024.
Under his tenure, Sri Lanka played 75 international matches across formats. They won 34. That is a 45.33 percent win rate.
Not terrible, not outstanding either. There were bright patches, there were collapses and it was a rollercoaster ride. In the end, the recent struggles and the T20 World Cup 2026 exit tipped the balance.
What Sri Lanka really need now?
The next appointment is crucial. This is not just about replacing a coach. It’s about resetting the dressing room. Sri Lanka have talent. But talent without direction is like a bat without a grip, which is slippery.
They need structure, clarity in roles, and better white-ball plans. And most importantly, consistency. The new coach will inherit a side still finding its feet. It is a rebuild job, but not from scratch.
Big decision coming soon
For now, SLC are negotiating quietly. The shortlist remains under wraps but the wheels are turning. One chapter is closing and another is about to begin.
Sri Lanka cricket stands at a crossroads again. And this next appointment might just decide which road they take.
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