No approach yet by ECB to coach England white-ball side, says Kumar Sangakkara while calling the job 'exciting'

Kumar Sangakkara also hailed ECB managing director Rob Key’s vision for England cricket.

Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara accepted that becoming the England white-ball coach is an ‘exciting prospect,’ but confirmed that he hasn’t been approached by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the role till now.

On July 30, the ECB announced that their white-ball coach Matthew Mott has stepped down from his post after a stint of two years with the side. Mott still had two years left in his contract. The ECB further stated that assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will be the interim head coach for the white-ball games.

Mott’s resignation came after England failed to defend their two ICC crowns. The English side failed to reach the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023. Earlier this year, the Three Lions were knocked out in the semis of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 

Kumar Sangakkara reveals no approach has been made by the ECB for the limited-overs coach post yet

After Matthew Mott’s resignation, it was rumoured that legendary cricketer Sangakkara, who is the director of cricket operations of the Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals, is in contention to become the next white-ball head coach of the England cricket team.

Recently, Sangakkara opened up on the rumours. The former Sri Lanka captain stated that he knew that his name was being mentioned for the white-ball coaching role earlier. However, he cleared that he hasn’t been approached by the ECB yet.

“Well, I know (my name) has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such,” Sangakkara told the PA news agency.

“I think the England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there. I think Matthew Mott has done a really good job,” Sangakkara added.

He is a really smart and practical man: Sangakkara on Rob Key

The 46-year-old Sangakkara hailed ECB managing director Rob Key, saying that he is a smart and practical man in terms of decision-making. Sangakkara further added that Rob Key’s vision for England cricket is applaudable.

“I think the decision-making in the England camp has been spot on. I really love the leadership that Rob Key has provided in the background because he hates being in front of the cameras after finishing his commentary stint,” Sangakkara said.

“I think he has been a really smart, practical man, very commonsensical in terms of how he makes decisions and very forward-thinking in how he has set the vision for England cricket,” the former Sri Lanka captain added.

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