Sri Lanka, who were the co-hosts of the tournament, had already been eliminated from the semi-final battle and failed to close their campaign with a victory. (Image credit: Sri Lanka Cricket) Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down from his position following the team’s narrow five-run defeat to Pakistan in their final Super Eights match of the 2026 Men’s World T20 Cup.The announcement came shortly after the loss, with the former left-winger admitting he had hoped to leave the World Cup on a “good note” but failed to live up to that expectation.
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Sri Lanka, who were the co-hosts of the tournament, had already been eliminated from the semi-final battle and failed to close their campaign with a victory.Jayasuriya revealed that the decision had been on his mind for some time and that he indicated during the England series earlier this year that he did not intend to continue long-term.“I thought I should give the title to someone else. That’s why I mentioned two months ago during the England series that I had no plans to stay here. That’s what I said after I made up my mind. I thought I would be able to leave the World Cup on a good note as a coach. I couldn’t do it as I thought. I’m sorry,” said the former Sri Lankan cricketer quoted by the website.He further clarified that formal talks with Sri Lanka Cricket are yet to take place.“My contract ends in June. I haven’t given Sri Lankan cricket my official decision or anything. I have to go and discuss it with them. I have to talk about what I have to do,” he added.In the match against Pakistan, half-centuries from captain Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake were not enough to muster a formidable 212 for 8, built on the 176-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84).Despite the win, Pakistan also failed to advance to the semi-finals, falling short of a clean sweep against the New Zealand national cricket team.
