Cricket: Mahela Jayawardene to coach Mumbai Indians

Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lanka captain, has been appointed as Head Coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians. 

Jayawardene, who has had short stints as batting consultant for England recently, will replace former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting, whose contract with the Mumbai Indians comes to an end. 

Mumbai Indians however did not disclose further details of Jayawardene's appointment apart from the confirmation or on Ponting's departure. 

"Mahela Jayawardene's appointment has come in the wake of Ricky Ponting - coach for the previous two years - contract coming to a close," was what the franchise stated in a media release issued on Friday (18).

As a player Jayawardene has represented three franchises -- Kings XI Punjab (2008-2010), Kochi Tuskers (2011) and Delhi Daredevils (2012-2013).