Sri Lanka’s head coach Chandika Hathurusingha will miss the three-match T20I series against South Africa after being summoned to return home to discuss his side’s World Cup preparations.
Sri Lanka Cricket have issued a statement confirming that Hathurusingha will return home after the fifth and final ODI against the Proteas to discuss the Sri Lanka team’s preparation for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in England.
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The announcement comes following reports of unrest within the Sri Lankan camp and speculation that the board are looking to replace the veteran paceman as head coach. Hathurusingha’s contract is binding until the end of 2020 and has a substantial compensation clause if terminated early.
A source in Sri Lanka cricket told ESPNcricinfo that tensions between the head coach, certain players and staff have led to the board considering restructuring Hathurusingha’s position within the team.
‘The board is not happy, not only with his performance but his attitude as well. This has been coming for a while, to be honest,’ the SLC official said.
SLC informed Head Coach Mr. Chandika Hathurusingha to return to Colombo, following the completion of the 05th ODI.
He is being asked to come back in order to discuss Sri Lanka team’s preparation plans for the upcoming ICC #CWC19https://t.co/p8OiMSACx1— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) March 14, 2019
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The ODI series comes to a conclusion in Cape Town on Saturday before the T20I series begins on Tuesday at the same venue, with fielding coach Steve Rixon taking over the head-coaching duties.
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
