Sri Lanka’s fast bowling coach, Chaminda Vaas, has stated that he has decided to resign from his post at the end of the on-going World Cup campaign.
Asked the reason for his sudden decision, Vaas said that the prevailing situation does not permit him to continue, and he is frustrated.
His contract will expire at the end of the World Cup and he has no intention of seeking an extension. “To be very honest, I’m frustrated. There are many things that are happening here. After this (my final tournament) I hope to reveal everything to the press at a future date,” Vaas added.
He said he has not been given a free hand to carry out his duties, and under these circumstances, it is meaningless to continue. He has no intention of serving the country in the future. He further said he has received an offer to coach from a foreign country and will reveal details at a future date. When pressed whether it was an Asian nation which had approached him, he said no.
“There is gossip going around that I am not giving one hundred per cent to the team” said Vaas, who has over a long period of time worked with dedication for the success of the team.
He said it is wrong to make such an accusation, and he knows the meaning of the word ‘dedication’ and has been performing his duties in keeping with the meaning of the word. He said compared to the other teams, Sri Lanka has the best fast bowlers at the World Cup, but they have to be nurtured and used judiciously.
20 years ago when Sri Lanka won their first test match at Napier against New Zealand, Vaas had taken 5 wickets in each innings and won the man of the match award. At present as a coach he said he will strive hard to see that the players are at a high mentally.
As a cricketer who has played 322 ODIs and taken 400 wickets, he feels that Sri Lanka has a very good chance of lifting the World Cup this time around.
