Silverwood resigns as SL head coach

Sri Lanka’s failure to reach the Super Eight stage forces Silverwood to quit post

Chris Silverwood has resigned as head coach of Sri Lanka, citing personal reasons.

Appointed in April 2022, the former England pacer led the team to significant victories, including the 2022 Asia Cup, home ODI series against Australia, and the away Test series against Bangladesh. They also reached the finals of Asia Cup 2023.

However, Sri Lanka didn’t qualify in the knockout stages of recent ICC tournaments, including the T20 World Cups in 2022 and 2024, and the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup.

Silverwood’s decision follows Sri Lanka’s failure to reach the Super Eight stage in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Expressing gratitude to the team and staff, he highlighted the personal toll of being away from family.

“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.

His resignation follows Mahela Jayawardena’s exit as ‘Consultant Coach’ on June 26, after implementing key changes in the team’s structure.

‘Predetermined venue gives India advantage’

The ICC’s decision to have India play in the second semi-final highlights cricket’s reliance on Indian broadcast rights, with all India’s World Cup games starting at 10:30 am local time to align with primetime in India.

This has raised questions about sporting fairness, as England has had limited time to prepare for the venue, unlike India, who knew they might play in Guyana.

England coach Matthew Mott acknowledged it. “We knew all about it from the start, and that’s a decision way above my pay grade,” Mott told ESPNcricinfo at Providence.