Cricket Coach Departs: Chris Silverwood Resigns from Sri Lanka Men’s Team Role
Chris Silverwood, the head coach of Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team, has stepped down from his position, effective immediately. Silverwood, who had been appointed to the post in April 2022, has decided to return home and spend more time with his family.
In a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Silverwood expressed his gratitude to the players, coaches, backroom staff, and management, saying he will be “taking away many fond memories” from his tenure in the island nation. The former fast bowler also acknowledged the challenges of being an international coach, stating that “long periods away from loved ones” factored into his decision to resign.
During his time as Sri Lanka’s head coach, Silverwood oversaw the team’s T20 Asia Cup triumph in 2022 and their appearance in the final of the 2023 ODI Asia Cup. However, the team’s performances in the ODI and T20 World Cups during this period were disappointing, as they finished ninth in the 2023 ODI World Cup and failed to progress beyond the first round of the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Silverwood’s focus on developing Sri Lanka’s pace bowling resources was evident, with the emergence of talents like Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara under his guidance.
“I will be taking away many fond memories from my time in Sri Lanka, and I wish the team and the country all the best for the future.”
- Chris Silverwood
Moving forward, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva has confirmed that the board will be advertising the head coach role and also considering local candidates for the position. The team’s next major fixtures are the Test series in England, which is scheduled to begin on August 21.
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