(Source X)
Kumar Sangakkara has expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of coaching England in limited-overs cricket, describing it as an “exciting prospect.” However, he emphasized that he has not yet been formally approached for the position.
Following the recent dismissal of Matthew Mott by the England and Wales Cricket Board, who had managed underwhelming title defenses in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup in June, the search for a new white-ball coach is now underway.
Marcus Trescothick, the former England batsman, will take on the role of caretaker for England’s one-day international and T20 series against Australia this September. This interim appointment comes as Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket, begins the search for a permanent successor to Matthew Mott.
Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lankan cricketing legend, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the role. His connection to the position is partly due to his experience in the Indian Premier League, where he worked alongside England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler at the Rajasthan Royals.
Despite the speculation, the 46-year-old Sangakkara remained tight-lipped about the situation on Friday.
“Well, I know (my name) has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such,” Sangakkara, a member of Sky Sports’ commentary team for The Hundred, told Britain’s PA news agency.
“I think the England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there. I think Matthew Mott has done a really good job.
“It is great that Jos Buttler is staying in that leadership role as the side progresses because it is a nice time from what the side is –- and was –- and how it wants to progress in the future.
“I think the decision making in the England camp has been spot on. I really love the leadership that Rob Key has provided…I think he has been a really smart, practical man, very commonsensical in terms of how he makes decisions and very forward-thinking in how he has set the vision for England cricket.”
Sangakkara, who is the inaugural non-British president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the organization that owns Lord’s cricket ground, added: “I am very happy at the moment. The Rajasthan Royals experience has been very fulfilling and it has been a job I have really enjoyed over the last four years.”
In the meantime, Sangakkara is pleased to see his fellow Sri Lankan, Chamari Athapaththu, competing for the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, especially following her recent success in leading the Sri Lanka women’s team to victory in the Asia Cup.
“I am excited Ben Stokes is playing, but I am more excited that Chamari Athapaththu is getting a game because she has been the perfect, inspiring leader and captain for global cricket in terms of Sri Lanka,” Sangakkara said.
