Sri Lanka turn to Lanka de Silva to lead women's team until end of 2020

As the search for the permanent successor to Harsha de Silva continues, SLC have appointed a temporary coach for the rest of the year

srilankawomen090801-min

Sri Lankan Cricket has announced Lanka de Silva as interim head coach of the senior women’s team.

De Silva will fill the position until the end of the year while SLC look for a long-term replacement for Harsha de Silva.

“Lanka has long been a coach within the Sri Lankan system, and recently worked with the men's Under-19 team," said Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva.

The 45-year-old played three Tests and 11 one-day internationals for Sri Lanka as a wicket-keeper batsman and has been informed he can apply for the full-time role once his temporary spell has ended.

The decision not to renew the contract of previous head coach Harsha de Silva was taken in June, owing to poor results since his appointment in 2018 which saw Sri Lanka women lose all 19 matches in 2019.

They then prevailed just once in this year's T20 World Cup against Bangladesh.

He will be in charge of rebuilding and restructuring the Sri Lankan team, given that experienced players Shashikala Siriwardene and Sripali Weerakkody have now retired, ahead of the World Cup which has been delayed until 2022. 

Sri Lanka are yet to confirm their place for the tournament and will be bidding to fill one of the three remaining births when they host the final qualifying tournament next year.

For unrivalled coverage of the county season, subscribe to The Cricketer and receive four issues for £15

Comments

LATEST NEWS

STAY UP TO DATE Sign up to our newsletter...
SIGN UP

Thank You! Thank you for subscribing!

Edinburgh House, 170 Kennington Lane, London, SE115DP

website@thecricketer.com

Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.