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SLC Incompetence allows Rumesh Rathnayake to continue as Interim coach for Pakistan tour

Written by N Krishnamurthy

The inability of Shammi Silva led administration of Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) in taking strong decision is destroying national team’s preparation for the upcoming T20 world cup big time as after failing to sort out head coach Chandika Hathurasingha’s matter in Professional manner now the board has decided to continue with interim coach Rumesh Rathnayake for the Pakistan tour as well.

The decision was taken during the Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting on Monday (September 16).

Following a special directive from Sports Ministry, Hathurusingha is currently facing suspension while fast bowling coach Rathnayake shouldered responsibility as interim coach for New Zealand Series.

Interestingly, while Hathurusingha managed to win ODI series against Bangladesh 3-0, Rathnayake could not make much impact during recently concluded New Zealand Series, where Sri Lanka drawn the test series 1-1 and lost the T20I series 2-1.

However, as it has become visible that SLC can not sack of remove Hathurusingha, largely due to his watertight contract, the board had no other option than to continue with Rathnayake.

In the meantime, due to Shammi Silva’s inability to handle the matter in proper manner, Hathurusingha is just staying at his office room at Kettarama and getting his 40,000$ monthly salary without any particular job assignment.

The Shammi Silva led administration took over SLC in March this year. Since then, they have left national team without permanent head coach, spin bowling coach and High performance centre is also currently with any director after the forced departure of Asanka Gurusinha.

While all other cricket playing nations have already made big strides for next T20 world cup, Sri Lanka Cricket is heading towards yet another disaster, as Shammi Silva led administration first priority right now is to preparing for the ongoing COPE investigation and to sweep forensic audit report under carpet!

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N Krishnamurthy