Sri Lanka Cricket appoints former skipper Sanath Jayasuriya as full-time 'Consultant'

In a move set to invigorate Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the board has announced the immediate appointment of the former skipper and legend  Sanath Jayasuriya as the full-time 'Cricket Consultant.' Notably, the latest move aims to infuse a new level of professionalism into national programs and ensure top-tier performance from players and coaching staff.

Under his new role, Jayasuriya is set to play a pivotal part in elevating the standards of SLC's national programs. His responsibilities include overseeing the training and coaching aspects for all teams associated with the high-performance centre. The focus will be on implementing tailored skill development strategies aligned with the ongoing player development plan.

"The appointment of the new committee, which comes into immediate effect, was made by the Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando," a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket read, as quoted by India Today.

"The appointment of Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya as the full-time ‘Cricket Consultant’ for a period of one year, with immediate effect," said the official statement from Sri Lanka Cricket.

Notably, Jayasuriya's mandate extends to ensuring compliance with all player reporting procedures linked to SLC's athlete management system. The former captain will be instrumental in establishing national specialist skills programs and collaborating with key staff in various skill disciplines. His role will be integral in shaping the direction of Sri Lankan cricket, with a focus on excellence and continuous improvement.

SLC appointed a new selection committee, Upul Tharanga to head selection department

Operating from the High-Performance Center at the RPICS, Sanath Jayasuriya will bring his wealth of experience to the fore, addressing the challenges faced by the national teams. This strategic move follows the recent formation of a new 'Cricket Selection Committee' for a two-year term, tasked with selecting national teams.

Upul Tharanga, the former One-Day captain, will lead the committee, accompanied by Ajantha Mendis, Indika De Saram, Tharanga Paranavitana, and Dilruwan Perera. The committee's immediate task is to handpick the national squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe Tour of Sri Lanka in 2024, marking a pivotal moment after the team's recent struggles in the 2023 World Cup.