Chaminda Vaas steps down as Sri Lanka's fast bowling coach days after appointment

Former Sri Lanka cricketer and fast bowling coach of national team Chaminda Vass managed to put the team and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in trouble after handing over his registration to the authorities on the eve of scheduled travel to West Indies for a long tour comprising three-match T20I and ODI series followed by two Test games.

The sudden decision of backing out by Vass didn’t go well with SLC as they criticized the veteran for holding ‘the game at ransom’ and just thinking about his personal gains in the tough times of Covid-19. It is learned that Chaminda Vass, who was appointed as the fast bowling coach as a potential replacement for David Saker after he had resigned prior to the tour citing personal reasons, was unhappy with his pay-scale and demanding an increase in his remuneration.

Vass wanted his salary to be equal to what was being paid to Saker for the same job. It is a common practice in the Sri Lanka board to pay more to the foreign coaches as compared to local men primarily due to the former being paid in foreign currency and the resultant favorable exchange rate with the Sri Lankan rupee. However, SLC turned down this request by the coach, and disappointed he handed over his resignation.

In the view of the whole fiasco, SLC released an official statement which read, “It is particularly disheartening to note that in an economic climate such as the one facing the entire globe right now, Mr. Vaas has made this sudden and irresponsible move on the eve of the team’s departure, based on personal monetary gain.”

Justice will prevail: Chaminda Vass reacts to his feud with Sri Lanka Cricket

“The Management of SLC, and indeed the entire nation, hold Mr. Vaas in high esteem as a cricketer who has excelled for his country. His years of yeoman service have been appreciated and rewarded over the years both in status and in kind.

“In such circumstances, it is extremely disheartening that a legend such as Chaminda Vaas has resorted to holding the administration, the cricketers, and indeed the game at ransom, by handing in his resignation at the eleventh hour, citing the administration’s refusal to accede to an unjustifiable demand for an increased USD remuneration, in spite of being a contracted employee of Sri Lanka Cricket, already receiving remuneration that is in keeping with his experience, qualifications, and expertise, in addition to which he would have been entitled to the usual USD per diems offered to all members of a travelling squad,” it added.

The 47-year-old also reacted to the tense situation via a tweet on his official Twitter handle.”I made a humble request to SLC and they turned it down. That’s all I can say at the moment. Justice will prevail!” Chaminda Vass tweeted.

I made a humble request to SLC and they turned it down.
That’s all I can say at the moment.
Justice will prevail!

— Chaminda Vaas (@chaminda_vaas) February 22, 2021