Former Sri Lanka player Pubudu Dassanayake appointed as USA men’s head coach
“It’s an honour to return and lead the USA Men’s National Team," Dassanayake said.
USA Cricket has appointed former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper, Pubudu Dassanayake, as the head coach of the men's national team. This is the 54-year-old’s second stint in the role, having previously coached USA from 2016 to 2019, where the nation achieved historic feats, including earning ODI status for the first time.
Dassanayake is set to replace Stuart Law, who stepped down after leading the team during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies. USA, having already qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, Dassanayake's presence can take the side to further heights.
“It’s an honour to return and lead the USA Men’s National Team. I’m proud of what we accomplished during my previous time here, and I see tremendous potential in this group to reach even greater heights. I look forward to working closely with the players and staff to continue building something meaningful for USA Cricket," he said as quoted by the ICC.
The Kandy-born has previously coached Associate cricket nations, including leading Nepal to their maiden T20 World Cup in 2014, and helping Canada to get back their ODI status in 2023 before guiding them to their first T20 World Cup appearance in 2024. Since his last term, the American cricket team have witnessed some changes, including the launch of Major League Cricket (MLC).
Interesting to see what other talents we have in the country: Pubudu Dassanayake
The league, alongside the flourishing Minor League Cricket (MiLC), has expanded the talent pool significantly in the nation. Notably, he has also been very much part of the coaching setups in these franchise leagues. He also has a special bond with USA captain Monank Patel and vice-captain Jasdeep Singh, both of whom went up the ranks under his stewardship during his first stint.
"We want to build an environment in the system where performance is the only thing that matters to be on the team. So, once we build that honest system, the players will realize that your numbers, the effort you put in, and your work ethic are the only things that matter to be in the system. It would be interesting to see what other talents we have in the country. But having said that, when you see the current squad, it's a very decent and settled team," said Dassanayake to Cricbuzz.
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