Mahela declines England coaching job

By Bipin Dani

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has declined an offer to coach England's Men's team, it is learnt.

According to sources, Jayawardene was approached by Rob Key, who has recently appointed as Managing Director of England's Men's team.

The approach was made in India, where Jayawardene is the head coach of the Mumbai Indians team.

The 44-year-old Jayawardene was approached to coach England's two short format teams, however Jayawardene is believed to have declined the offer citing family reasons.

He has previously served a stint as batting consultant coach for the England team.  

The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) have been approaching candidates to replace Chris Silverwood, who has taken over the head coaching role with the Sri Lankan team.

In another development, Jayawardene could not attend the zoom meeting called by the new Sports Minister Thenuka Vidanamage with members of the former National Sports Council (NSC).

"Mahela and Sanga (Kumar Sangakkara) both didn't attend the meeting. Eight members of the former NSC attended the meeting today. I am giving a second date to non-attendees and have invited them for interviews and their views on Monday", the minister confirmed late on Friday evening.