Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the full-time head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team until the end of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Jayasuriya had been serving in an interim capacity since July, but after making a significant impact in his role, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has now handed him a permanent position.

Impressive performances lead to full-time appointment

During his interim tenure, Jayasuriya led the team to some notable achievements. Sri Lanka secured their first bilateral ODI series win against India in 27 years, achieved a historic away Test victory over England—their first in a decade—and recently whitewashed Ne???w Zealand in a two-match home Test series.

“The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket made this decision taking into consideration the team’s good performances in the recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand, where Jayasuriya was in charge as the ‘interim head coach’,” Sri Lanka Cricket stated.

Also READ: Sri Lanka Cricket announces the schedule for the home white-ball ??series against the West Indies

Expectations from Sanath Jayasuriya ahead of major tournaments

With the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, expectations are high for Jayasuriya’s tenure as head coach. The Sri Lankan cricket board and fans alike will be looking to see continued progress under his guidance, especially in these marquee tournaments. Jayasuriya’s ability to inspire disciplined performances, develop young talents, and maintain the momentum from recent successes will be critical in positioning Sri Lanka as a strong contender on the world stage.

Jayasuriya is expected to focus on building a balanced team capable of competing with the top sides, emphasizing a solid battin??g unit and effective bowling strategies. His tactical acumen and experienc??e as a former player are seen as key assets in nurturing the squad to deliver under pressure in these high-profile competitions.

Also READ: Tillakaratne Dilshanâ€??™s daughter se??lected in Sri Lanka women’s U19 squad for Australia tri-series

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The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025. Since the announcement, there has been considerable uncertainty regarding India’s participation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to either move the tournament to another country or schedule India’s matches at a neutral venue, citing security concerns.

PCB’s request for written proof regarding Champions Trophy 2025

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested formal documentation from the BCCI if security concerns are cited as the reason for India’s potential withdrawal. The PCB is seeking official evidence from the Indian government denying permission for the Indian team’s travel. The tournament is set to start in Karachi on February 19, with the final scheduled in Lahore on March 9, and several matches planned for Rawalpindi. A reserve day for the final is allocated for March 10 in case of bad weather.

Also READ: ECB chief gives fi?nal verdict on Pakistan hosting the Champio??ns Trophy 2025 amid India’s uncertain stance

BCCI’s strong response over potential T20 WC 2026 boycott

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla has indicated that the Indian cricket team might visit Pakistan for the CT 2025, contingent on government approval. At the Uttar Pradesh T20 League players’ auction, Shukla emphasized that travel to Pakistan is subject to the Indian government’s clearance.

The possibility of Pakistan pulling out of the next edition of the T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has also been raised. Shukla remarked that Pakistan is free to express its opinions regarding its participation. He stated, “Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government.” Shukla was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Also READ: Pak??istan Cricket Board chief issues a firm wa??rning to ICC over Champions Trophy 2025 hosting rights

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New Zealand booked their place at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a convincing win over Papua New Guinea (PNG) on the final day of the 2024 T20 WC group stage. The victory, coupled with favourable results elsewhere in Group C, secured New Zealand third place and a coveted automatic qualification spot for the next edition of the marquee tournament, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The Blackcaps needed just a win against PNG t?o confirm their qualification. They dominated the encounter, restricting PNG to a meagre 78 runs before comfortably c?hasing down the target in 12.2 overs with seven wickets in hand.

Also READ: F??ans and experts erupt as ?Lockie Ferguson delivers best bowling figures in T20 World Cup history

The United States of America (USA), the surprise package of the ongoing T20 World Cup, were the o??nly associate nation to achieve direct qualification for the 2026 ICC tournament.

Qualified teams for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

• Hosts: India and Sri Lanka
• Super 8 Qualifiers: Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, South Africa, USA, England
• Next Highest Ranked: Pakistan, Ireland, New Zealand

The?? 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup will once again feature 20 teams. The remaining eight spots will be determined through regional qualifiers in Africa, Asia and Europe. The Americ?as and East Asia-Pacific regions will each send one additional team to the global showpiece.

Also READ: Sahil Chauhan s??mashes fastest T20I century and most si?xes in an innings

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