AmilaSaman
Sri Lanka Cricket is facing a protracted and possibly a costly legal battle following a directive from the Sports Ministry that all coaches of the national cricket team, who featured during the World Cup campaign in England and Wales need to step down from their roles. Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha at the completion of the World Cup had said that he intended to see through his contract as he believed that he could still contribute to the development of players, although his sacking as a selector had left a bad taste in his mouth.
Despite SLC going on a full scale recruitment drive for coaches who will take the team forward for the next two years, Hathurusingha is believed to have told SLC that he didn’t intend to move on. SLC had hoped for a way out of the contract with Hathurusingha’s former employers Bangladesh Cricket Board showing keenness in regaining his services. Hathurusingha has 17 months left in his contract with Sri Lanka and although the board had expected to pay him six months’ salary and sever ties, the package looks unlikely to break the deadlock
Meanwhile SLC is believed to be in negotiations with former Australian batsman Dean Jones to take over as Head Coach. A frequent visitor to Sri Lanka on media work, Jones is a passionate coach and has had success with several franchise teams.