Dassanayake resigns from Nepal’s coaching job

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, July 21 : The National Cricket team's Head coach Pubudu Dassanayake has stepped down from his position citing a personal reason on Wednesday.

Organizing a press meet in Kathmandu, the Sri Lankan-born Canadian coach announced his resignation.

“I am very disappointed to resign as Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) appointed me with a reason. Nepali cricket team has seen transformation recently. The change was necessary. I have done my best. 

Hopefully, the youth team will do best in the coming days,” Dassanayake said.

The CAN also confirmed his resignation. “He tendered his resignation before the start of Scotland tour, which was accepted as the CAN respect his decision and private space,” said CAN on its social media.

Dassanayake said the decision was the toughest one of his coaching career. “It was the toughest decision that I have to take in my coaching career. I love Nepal Cricket and I am very emotional to leave at this stage.

“Reason for my departure is to take care of my family when they need me the most. 

I will regret it, if I cannot do my part for my family at this time. 

If I have to work, I will work at my home. I wish the Nepal team the best.”

Though Dassanayake said he resigned for personal reasons, it is said that he was going to coach the national cricket team of his home country Canada.

Hours after he stepped down from Nepal's job, Cricket Canada confirmed his appointment as a head coach of its national team through its social media. Dassanayake was also appointed a head coach of Houston Hurricanes, an American Twenty20 franchise cricket team, in June.

The cricket governing body of Nepal appointed him for a second time on 11 December 2021 through an open competition for two years. 

He announced his inability to continue with the post after eight months of the appointment.  

Nepal achieved a historic milestone in cricket in the first term of Dassanayake from 2011 to 2015. 

For the first time, Nepal qualified for ICC T20 World Cup 2014 in Bangladesh.  

Under his guidance, Nepal moved from Division Four to Division Two. He ended his first tenure due to an internal conflict at CAN.

It was not any different when Dassanayake took the coaching job for the second time. Nepali cricket was divided after the cricket administration sacked Captain Gyanendra Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kamal Singh Airee, and Sompal Kami. Players revolted against the decision and decided not to play. 

Though Dassanayake's first term remained productive and remarkable, the second term was an average one.

Off 14 ODI matches played under Dassanayake, Nepal lost nine, won four, and drew one match. 

Following the poor performance in Scotland, Coach Dassanayake drew flak on social media from local cricket fans asking for his resignation.