Jayawardene steps down as Sri Lanka’s T20 captain

Mahela Jayawardene today announced his decision to step down as the captain of the Sri Lankan T20 team after losing the ICC World Twenty20 final against West Indies here on Sunday night.

“Just one announcement guys, I have had a chat with the selectors and I have decided to step down as a captain of the Sri Lankan T20 team after the end of the tournament,” Jayawardene said in a matter-of-factly manner at the end of the post-match press conference here.

“I have taken this decision so that the selection committee can groom someone younger for this job,” he added.

The 35-year-old also informed that he will “assess his future as captain” in the ODIs and Tests after Sri Lanka’s tour of Australia in coming December.

“Obviously, I will remain captain in the Tests and ODIs till the Australia series in December and then take a call on my future as captain,” he said.

When questioned whether he will continue playing twenty20 international, he smiled and replied: “It depends whether the new captain wants me in the team.”