Mahela appointed as ’Consultant’ for T20 World Cup

Former national cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene was appointed as a ‘Consultant’ to the Sri Lanka team for the first round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next month. 

Jayawardene is currently in the UAE for the Indian Premier League (IPL), as Head Coach of the Mumbai Indians franchise, and is expected remain in the UAE and join the Sri Lanka team bio-bubble after the completion of the IPL. 

“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,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in a media statement. 

The three matches against Namibia, Ireland and the Netherlands will be part of the first-round group stage, with two of those teams moving forward to the Super 12 featuring the top teams in the tournament. 

“Jayawardena 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 statement also read. 

Since retiring from international cricket in 2015, Jayawardene has embarked on a successful career in coaching, guiding the Mumbai Indians to three IPL titles in four years. 

He also coached the Southern Brave to the inaugural title of The Hundred earlier this year.   

‘’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,’’ Ashley De Silva, CEO of SLC said.

‘’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’s appointment was recommended by the Technical Advisory Committee, led by Aravinda de Silva, approved by SLC’s Executive Committee.