Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has expressed disappointment at former captain Mahela Jayawardene taking up the role of consultant with the England team for the upcoming ICC World T20.
Jayawardene is to continue his batting mentor’s role with the England team, a job he had already performed with them in the UAE in the last series against Pakistan.
“A cricketer joining another nation so close to his retirement is not a good thing, SLC chairman Thilanga Sumathipala told reporters yesterday.
“I am of the view that a player who retires from international cricket should not be allowed to work as an expert of another team at least for a period of two years,” Sumathipala said.
“This is because he will be aware of inside information on strengths and weaknesses. These are strategic secrets.
This is a question of ethics in sport not anything personally against Mahela Jayawardene. I respect him for his vast knowledge of the game.”
Jayawardene retired from international cricket in 2014 and since then Sri Lanka’s international rankings have nose dived.
This was exacerbated by the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara.
Sri Lanka lost two home series to India and Pakistan last year since their retirement, and also lost the number one ranking in T20 cricket.
Interestingly, both Sri Lanka and England are clubbed in the same group in the World T20.
Jayawardene had previously worked with England for two Tests, during their tour to the UAE in 2015. He played his last ODI for Sri Lanka in March last year, but had quit T20s in April 2014.
