T20 World Cup: Jayawardene appointed as consultant for Sri Lanka team

T20 World Cup: Mahela Jayawardene appointed as consultant for Dasun Shanaka & Co – After a long negotiation, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has finally managed to rope in former skipper and IPL’s most successful coach with Mumbai Indians Mahela Jayawardene as a consultant for Dasun Shanaka & Co ahead of the T20 World Cup and U-19 team.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of former Sri Lanka Captain Mahela Jayawardena as a ‘Consultant to the Sri Lanka National team during the First Round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the SLC said in a statement.

Mahela Jayawardena, who is currently the Head Coach of the Mumbai Indians, will join the Sri Lanka team in UAE (Bio Bubble to Bio Bubble) immediately after the completion of the ongoing IPL 2021. Under his guidance, Mumbai Indians are chasing a hat-trick of IPL titles.

Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of former Sri Lanka Captain @MahelaJay as a ‘Consultant’ to the Sri Lanka National team during the First Round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 😍
READ👉 https://t.co/Dov2pvPWkz #SLC #LKA #SLU19

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 24, 2021

Also Read: India Tour of Sri Lanka: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene to do Rahul Dravid for Sri Lanka Cricket, will look after junior cricket

T20 World Cup: “He will share his vast experience and provide invaluable strategic support for the players and management team during a 7-day period from 16-23 October when the team will play Namibia, Ireland, and the Netherlands as they seek to qualify for the Group Stages,” the SLC added in the statement.

While SLC wanted to avail Mahela Jayawardena’s services immediately after the India series, the Mumbai Indians coach was busy with The Hundred coaching role. He won the title with Southern Brave and was committed with MI. Now, after IPL 2021’s competition, he has promised to join the team. However, he will stay on as a consultant only for five months and unlikely to stay on for the 2022 T20 World Cup.

“He has also accepted an invitation to be a Consultant and Mentor for the Sri Lanka Under 19 as it prepares for next year’s ICC Under 19 World Cup in the West Indies. His 5-month role with the U19 Team will be performed in an “Honorary’ capacity,” the SLC said.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Cricket: Aravinda de Silva confirms, ‘SL trying to convince Jayawardene to take U-19 coaching role’

T20 World Cup: “We are very happy to welcome Mahela into his new roles, as his presence with the Sri Lanka Team and the U19 Team is going to help the players immensely,” said Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.

“From his playing days, Mahela was respected for the vast cricketing knowledge he brought into the game, first as a player, then as a Captain, now as a Coach for different teams,” De Silva further added

Jayawardena was appointed to the dual roles by Sri Lanka Cricket’s Executive Committee following recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket.

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