SELECTORS STEP DOWN

Sri Lanka selectors to step down after India series

by Rex Clementine • Last updated on

The selection committee's decision to step down comes in the aftermath of the team's humiliating defeat in recent times. © Getty

Sri Lanka's selectors are set to step down after the current series against India, sources told Cricbuzz on Tuesday (August 29). Their decision comes in the aftermath of Sri Lanka's humiliating defeat in recent times, during which they lost the Test series 0-3 and have already conceded an unassailable lead of 3-0 to India in the ongoing five-match ODI series.

The decision will come to effect at the conclusion of the solitary Twenty20 International on September 6, which rounds off the home series against India. The selection panel headed by former batting legend Sanath Jayasuriya took office on May 1, 2016. The other members of the panel are Romesh Kaluwitharana, Ranjit Madurusinghe, Eric Upasantha and Asanka Gurusinha.

During this period, Sri Lanka defeated Australia 3-0 in a home Test series and won 2-1 in the T20I series in Australia. However, the lows were more pronounced where they suffered a first-round elimination in Champions Trophy and lost an ODI series to Zimbabwe for the first time, at home.

This was not the first time Jayasuriya held the post, having performed the duties from January 2013 to March 2015 during his first stint. The high point of this phase was Sri Lanka's ICC World T20 win in 2014.

Jayasuriya said the behaviour of fans during Sri Lanka's six-wicket defeat in the third One-Day International against India prompted him to step down from his post.

"Sri Lanka Cricket chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, as well as committee members Ranjith Madurasinghe, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Asanka Gurusinha and Eric Upashantha, have decided to resign," Sri Lanka's sports ministry said. "A combined letter bearing the names of the above committee has conveyed this decision to sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekara. According to the letter, their tenure will end on September 7."

© Cricbuzz

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