As Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) decided to parted ways with National Team’s non-performer Assistant Coach Naveed Nawaz, Yesterday (April 22) he was officially Informed about the Board’s decision by it’s CEO Ashley De Silva, Cricket Age reliably learns.
Nawaz had parachuted himself at Maitland Place with the blessings of a 1996 World Cup winning legendary player. However, as his two-year contract came to an end this month, the board decided to not offer him an extension. According to sources, In the wake of the removal, Nawaz Yesterday arrived at Maitland Place to meet Ashley.
“He was informed by the CEO that his service is no more required” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
A former Sri Lanka International, as a coach Nawaz led Bangladesh Under-19 team to glory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2020.
However, as Sri Lanka Assistant Coach, he was a complete failure. Most notably at last year’s World Cup in India, Sri Lanka’s campaign was marred by batting collapses, a concerning trend that haunted them not only throughout the tournament, but in last two years. Out of nine matches played, they managed to secure victory in just two.
Against India, Sri Lanka suffered a humiliating defeat by a staggering margin of 302 runs. In pursuit of a daunting target of 357, the team capitulated, getting bundled out for a mere 55 runs. The loss epitomised the batting frailties that plagued Sri Lanka under Nawaz’s watch.
With Nawaz departure, Sri Lanka’s batting coach Thilina Kandamby is expected to fill in his shoes. A former Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) player, Kandamby is considered a loyalist of Sri Lanka Consultant Coach (now part time) Mahela Jayawardene, which remains his only achievement till date.
