Sri Lanka clarify Mahela Jayawardene role amid New Zealand absence

The 45-year-old consultant coach has not travelled for the ongoing multi-format tour, comprising two Tests, three one-day internationals and three T20Is

Sri Lanka have clarified the role of Mahela Jayawardene after his absence from the tour of New Zealand was called into question. 

In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket defined Jayawardene's role as a "consultant coach," and explained that it was not deemed necessary for him to travel with the squad, who are in the midst of a multi-format tour comprising two Tests, three one-day internationals and three T20Is.

The 45-year-old former captain oversees "the overall cricketing element of the national teams", and provides support for the players and management teams at the High Performance Centre.

Jayawardene also works on coach and player development programs, which aim to strengthen both the domestic structure and the men's senior team, as well as the under-19 and Sri Lanka A teams as part of the position. He has held all roles since January 2022.

Sri Lanka are currently in the midst of a multi-format tour of New Zealand (DAVID ROWLAND/AFP via Getty Images)

But the nature of the position means he will only travel with the team when SLC management considers it necessary. 

"We wish to state that he has been an invaluable asset to Sri Lanka Cricket since his appointment," an SLC statement, which added that Jayawardene had rejected a coaching offer from 'one of the ICC member board', read.

After a playing career spanning 18 years, including making over 600 appearances and scoring in excess of 25,000 runs across formats, Jayawardene was appointed head coach of Mumbai Indians in 2017.

He led the side to three Indian Premier League titles in four years, before becoming the franchise's global head of performance in 2022.

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