Chaminda Vaas resigns as Sri Lanka’s bowling coach over pay dispute

The former international bowler, who was only appointed on February 19, will not travel with the squad to West Indies for the upcoming tour

Sri Lanka’s bowling coach Chaminda Vaas has announced his resignation from the position effective March 26th, three days after joining the national team set-up.

The 47-year old, who took 761 international wickets for Sri Lanka, was appointed to the coaching staff on Friday (February 19). However, following a pay dispute Vaas has informed Sri Lanka Cricket of his decision to leave his role and will not travel with the team to West Indies.

Sri Lanka are due to depart for the Caribbean on Monday evening (February 22) ahead of a three-match T20 series, a three-match ODI series and a two-match Test series throughout March and April.

In a statement, SLC said: "It is particularly disheartening to note that in an economic climate such as the one facing the entire globe right now, Mr. Vaas has made this sudden and irresponsible move on the eve of the team’s departure, based on personal monetary gain.

"The management of SLC, and indeed the entire nation, hold Mr. Vaas in high esteem as a cricketer who has excelled for his country. His years of yeoman service have been appreciated and rewarded over the years both in status and in kind.

Former Sri Lanka Cricketer and Consultant Bowling Coach of #SLC, Chaminda Vaas today announced his resignation from his post effective 26th March 2021..

READ: https://t.co/m0rwiGaolF #lka

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) February 22, 2021

"In such circumstances, it is extremely disheartening that a legend such as Chaminda Vaas has resorted to holding the administration, the cricketers, and indeed the game at ransom, by handing in his resignation at the eleventh hour, citing the administration’s refusal to accede to an unjustifiable demand for an increased USD remuneration, in spite of being a contracted employee of Sri Lanka Cricket, already receiving remuneration that is in keeping with his experience, qualifications, and expertise, in addition to which he would have been entitled to the usual USD per diems offered to all members of a traveling squad."