Sanath Jayasuriya to be appointed as chairman of selectors

Barely a year after stepping down from the position as chairman of selectors, Sanath Jayasuriya is set to be re-appointed to the same post soon. Although a virtual understanding of the appointment has been reached by the SLC and the former Lankan batsman, the official appointment can only take place

“In wanting to take Sri Lankan cricket to a new path, we have put some changes in place,” SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala told Divaina. “As such, we are expecting to appoint Sanath Jayasuriya as the new chairman of selectors.”

Mohan de Silva, the vice president of the SLC has also added that Jayasuriya will be joined by his former partner-in-crime Romesh Kaluwitharana . Former off-spinner Ranjith Madurasingha will also be added to the committee.

Former Lankan batsman Aravinda de Silva signed on for a temporary role as the chairman of selectors. He was instrumental in selecting the squad that went to India to participate in the World T20. However, despite the disappointing performance, the selectors will pick a Test squad that will travel to England to play a four-match Test series.

With present selectors Kumar Sangakkara and Lalith Kaluperuma out of the country, Jayasuriya will effectively become a selector of that committee before he takes over the reins at the end of April.

Sanath Jayasuriya has had a decent outing as the chairman of selectors. He served in the role during from 2013 to 2015. During this time, the Lankans clinched the World T20 title, won a Test series in England and reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2015 down under. The Jayasuriya-led panel was also instrumental in appointing Angelo Mathews as skipper of the team despite having a fall out with certain senior players, especially Mahela Jayawardene.

Eric Upashanta, the former Sri Lankan pacer, who had also served in a selection capacity previously, is also reported to be linked with the similar job once more.

The Sri Lankans have a tight international schedule from here on out, with tours to England, Australia and South Africa on the horizon.