Even though Chandika Hathurasingha seems determined to stay as head coach of the national team till his contract ends, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has already shortlisted the list of his successors in a bid to restructure the coaching staff after world cup debacle, Cricket Age reliably learns.
Sri Lanka won three, lost four matches at the World Cup, with two abandoned due to rain.
However, even after poor showing in the mega event, Hathurusingha, right after his arrival in Colombo, made it crystal clear that he wants to complete his contract with the Sri Lanka team.
“I have another 16 months,” Hathurusingha said. “I hope to remain until my contract runs out.”
More shockingly, Hathurusingha even refused to take the responsibility of the world cup debacle, even though Sri Lanka prepared and played the mega event under his supervision. Asked if accepted responsibility for Sri Lanka failing to qualify for the semi-finals, Hathurusingha said the entire team management should share the blame.
“All of us must accept responsibility for what happened. I think we expected better performance… We have to think. We must learn from this and move forward. I think I have done to the best of my ability.”
On the other hand, though, the SLC has in no mood to tolerate Hathurasingha anymore. Accordingly, the board has been in talks with few reputed international coaches and has shortlisted two candidates as well.
“Board president Mr. Shammi Silva, Who is in UK, has already talked to few possible candidates and is determined to bring Sri Lanka Cricket back on track” a senior SLC administrator told Cricket Age.
Former Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford and current Pakistan Coach Micky Arthur are most likely to take over Hathurusingha.
“Yes, the president has talked with this two reputed coaches as well. As Graham Ford has previously worked with Sri Lanka team and is very familiar with the setup, he is the most likely to take over from Hathurusingha. Mr. Micky Arthur and few other names are also been in the list” the senior SLC administrator added further.
Moreover, if Hathurasingha remains firm to complete his contract, SLC is all prepared to teach him a unforgettable lesson this time. Accordingly, the plan is to put him with Sri Lanka A or U15 team and name his successor for the national team.
“If he wants to fight with us, we are ready this time. There is absolute no logic to continue with him after the world cup debacle, as he had arrived in Sri Lanka with a promise that he would bring the team into semifinals. He has failed to deliver it, so he has to go. It’s as simple as that” the SLC senior administrator concluded.
Sri Lanka’s next assignment is a three match ODI series against Bangladesh, starting later this month.
