SLC hunt for new coaching staff
Mickey Arthur, who had a dream farewell, was loved by all Sri Lankans
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is set to go through a major overhaul in its coaching structure with consultant coaches in the calibre of former cricket stars like Mahela Jayawardena expected to provide strategic support to shape the future of the game. With contracts of many coaches in the national setup ending this month, including that of Head Coach Mickey Arthur, the Board has begun head-hunting to fill some of the key positions within the National, Sri Lanka ‘A’ and Emerging teams.
Under the advice of the Cricket Technical Committee, the Board decided not to extend services of the current coaches as they will be subjected to a review by the Director Cricket and Jayawardena–a batting great turned a most sought after coach in franchise cricket at present.
Sri Lanka is currently on the road to redemption, showing steady improvement across formats during the last couple of months, ending years of mediocre performances. The Board is now on the lookout for those who can help Sri Lanka cricket become great again.
Accordingly, it has given the green light to a new coaching structure devised by the Cricket Advisory Committee headed by Aravinda de Silva, where consultant coaches have got vital powers in terms of setting plans and strategies across teams.
Headed by the Director of Cricket, a position currently held by Tom Moody, it includes Head of Women’s Cricket, Head of National Cricket Development and Head of High Performance under whom Head Coaches of National, ‘A’ and Emerging teams, and Head of Brain Centre will work.
Accordingly, the Board yesterday advertised for the positions of Head Coach of National team, Head Coach ‘A’ team, Assistant Coach Emerging Squad and batting, bowling and fielding coaches for National team. They will work closely with consultant coaches who will directly report to the Director Cricket. Under the new structure, Head Coach of Sri Lanka ‘A’ team will oversee the Emerging team with an assistant coach to support him.
In addition, the Board has also advertised for Managers for National and ‘A’ teams and also for a Head of Performance Analytics who will be responsible for overall development of technical, analytical and video support throughout Sri Lanka Cricket.
Jayawardena, who heads the National Sports Council, worked as a consultant during the first stage of the recent T20 World Cup where he played a key role in Sri Lanka’s qualification to the main draw of the tournament. He also works closely with Avishka Gunawardena, the Head Coach of the Under-19 cricket team, preparing them for the next Youth World Cup.
The Board is keen to enlist him even though Jayawardena has repeatedly said he is not ready for any full time position that involves travel. He is currently the Head Coach of Mumbai Indians and Southern Brave franchises.