Nepali cricket has been dropped another bombshell with national men’s coach Pubudu Dassanayake handing in a letter of resignation, only to take up the equivalent position for Canada on the same day.
Dassanayake cited personal reasons for his decision, emailing the Cricket Association of Nepal last week after the team’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series with Scotland and Namibia. He confirmed his own decision via a press conference in Kathmandu.
Cricket Canada then confirmed the switch on social media, with sources stating that Dassanayake wishes to be closer to his family based in North America.
Nepal has not performed to its potential, especially in the ODI format, struggling in sixth position in League 2, as well as failing to qualify for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia via the Qualifier A tournament in Oman.
Dassanayake had only been appointed for his second stint as coach in December 2021, after the departure of Dav Whatmore. Dassanayake signed a two-year contract in his return, having also coached the team from 2011 to 2015.
Canada sit atop on the Challenge League Group A ladder, and host the second of three legs in the competition in a week’s time.
No news regarding the recruitment process has been announced for Dassanayake’s replacement in Nepal, though given previous criteria for the role, a coach from a Full Member nation is desired by the national governing body.
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