Atapattu quits as head coach of Sri Lanka cricket team

Sri Lanka former cricket team captain Marvan Atapattu has resigned as Sri Lanka head coach after back to back two home series losses against Pakistan and India. His resignation was announced and accepted by Sri Lanka Cricket Board.

Atapattu took the charge of head coach of Sri Lankan cricket team in September 2014, after Paul Farbrace’s departure, who took over as England assistant coach. Atapattu had also worked as a batting coach of the team from 2011 and also served as interim coach for some time. He was Sri Lanka’s first full-time local coach in 15 years.

“We would like to inform you of the resignation of Marvan Atapattu from the post of head coach of the Sri Lanka cricket team which has been accepted,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement.

“During this time, he has given of his time and service with the same professionalism that was his hallmark as an international cricketer,” the statement added.

Atapattu had his first test series win against England in England under his belt as interim coach and also the home ODI series victory against England late in 2014 which was the only trophy that team has won since Atapattu was formalised as head coach.

The board is now looking for a temporary coach before the start of the next home series against West Indies in mid-October. According to the report former Sri Lankan batsman Chandika Hathurusinghe is in the race for the post of head coach.

The 44-year-old Atapattu has played 90 Test matches and 268 ODIs for Sri Lanka scoring 5502 and 8529 runs respectively and led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests matches during his career.

Sri Lanka Cricket thanks Atapattu for his efforts as head coach and batting coach of Sri Lanka, and we wish him every success in all his future endeavours,” the SLC statement added.