Sri Lanka bowling legend Chaminda Vaas has resigned from his position as Sri Lanka’s bowling coach citing a pay dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket. He was appointed to the position, three days ago.
"It is particularly disheartening to note that in an economic climate such as the one facing the entire globe right now, Mr. Vaas has made this sudden and irresponsible move on the eve of the team's departure, based on personal monetary gain," SLC said in a press release post the fiasco.
Vaas, who has 355 scalps in Tests and 400 in ODIs also resigned from his position as the SLC Academy coach. His resignation puts the team’s immediate future in jeopardy given SL have been forced to leave for West Indies without a bowling coach. The situation did not go down well with the board as they termed his decision equal to holding the game in Sri Lanka at ransom.
"It is extremely disheartening that a legend such as Chaminda Vaas has resorted to holding the administration, the cricketers, and indeed the game at ransom, by handing in his resignation at the eleventh hour, citing the administration's refusal to accede to an unjustifiable demand for an increased (USD) remuneration...," SLC's statement read.
The Sri Lankan team plays its first T20I game on March 3 at Antigua. Dasun Shanaka has been appointed as the skipper of the Sri Lanka T20I side.
Sri Lanka T20 and ODI squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (ODI captain ), Dasun Shanaka (T20 captain), Danushka Gunathilake, Pathum Nissanka, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananajaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilshan Madushanka, Suranga Lakmal