Mickey Arthur to quit as Sri Lanka coach after the West Indies series
Mickey Arthur (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Sri Lanka head coach Mickey Arthur will resign from his post after the culmination of the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. If sources in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) are to be believed, then Arthur conveyed his wish to the board on Tuesday (November 16). The Sri Lankan head coach will join Derbyshire as the director for a period of three years.
“I just wanted to inform you that with regret and against my preferred option I have signed a 3-year contract as Director of Cricket with Derbyshire County Cricket Club to commence after my last assignment being the Test series against West Indies”, he has written an e-mail to Shammi Silva (SLC chief), Ashely de Silva (CEO) and Mohan de silva (secretary) according to Sri Lanka website Daily Mirror.
In his letter, the Lankan head coach also mentioned about his time with the team, and how few young players made their presence felt under his stint. Players like Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka have made their mark in the national team and the side fared decently in the 20-20 World Cup as well.
“I know that Sri Lanka is a far better place than when I arrived and have helped groom some very good talent as well as developing a team and brand that can give SLC some sustainable success in the future”, he has said in a letter.
Arthur was appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lankan team in December 2019. Under his leadership, the Asian team created history by beating South Africa for the first time in a Test series. The team was also in the transition phase, and Arthur played a major role in bringing new talent to the team. He also said the decision to leave the team was a forced one as there was no clarity from SLC about his future.
“All I wanted was an indication from SLC that you were happy with the job that myself and my very loyal and good support staff were doing and I would have stayed, having not received anything I felt with no option. I have fallen in love with Sri Lanka Cricket, the players, the people, and your beautiful country,” he further added.
