Mahela appointed Consultant for Sri Lanka National and U19 teams

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene as a consultant to the Sri Lanka National team for the first round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in UAE and Oman.

Jayawardene, who is currently the head coach of Mumbai Indians will join the Sri Lanka team in UAE (bio-bubble to bio-bubble) immediately after the completion of the ongoing Indian Premier League.

He will share his vast experience and provide invaluable strategic support for the players and management team during a seven-day period from 16-23 October when the team will play Namibia, Ireland, and the Netherlands as they seek to qualify for the Super 12s.

Jayawardene has also accepted an invitation to be a consultant and mentor for the Sri Lanka Under-19 team as it prepares for next year’s ICC Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies. His five-month role with the U19 team will be performed in an honorary capacity.

“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,’’ said SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.

‘’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.

Jayawardene was appointed to the dual roles by SLC’s Executive Committee following recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee of SLC.