Aravinda de Silva to quit Sri Lanka post

Former Sri Lanka captain Aravinda de Silva has stepped down as chairman of the national board's cricket committee for personal reasons after roughly a year in the top post, the committee said Friday.

The veteran's resignation from the post will take effect from June 30.

"It is understandable that (de Silva) needs to prioritise his personal commitments," Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala said in a statement.

"He has supported the strategic vision of this administration and been vastly instrumental in many of the developments we have made. We intend to continue to engage Aravinda's expertise in our key cricketing activities on a consultancy basis."

The batting great was instrumental in guiding the islanders to their only 50-over World Cup triumph in 1996 before returning to the game as selector.

Twice chosen as chief selector, Aravinda was instrumental in re-structuring Sri Lanka's coaching programmes with emphasis on home-grown talent.

De Silva's resignation comes after the country hired famed South Africa fast-bowler Allan Donald as their interim bowling coach for next month's Champions Trophy tournament in England.

Donald, who filled in for Australia as a bowling coach on their tour of Sri Lanka last year, said his was an "inspirational role" and he would be working closely with the squad to assess their individual goals, health condition and personalities.

He promptly declared the Sri Lanka squad had the potential to claim victory in the tournament on the basis of their bowling attack.

"The Sri Lankan attack has what it takes to win the tournament," the 72-Test veteran said.

"Sri Lanka has a lot of skills. Lot of leadership with the ball... what is there to be scared of?"

Donald will work with Sri Lankan pace bowling coaches Chaminda Vaas, Champaka Ramanayake, Ravindra Pushpakumara and Nuwan Zoysa.

Under his watch will be pace ace Lasith Malinga, whose fitness Sri Lanka are sweating on ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Following a succession of injuries, the slinging right-armer made a return to international cricket in a three-match T20 International series in Australia in February, but hasn’t played an ODI in about 18 months.

Ford however expects Malinga, whose six Indian Premier League wickets have cost nearly 40 runs apiece and has an uncharacteristically high economy rate of 9.95 from six matches, to be fit for their tournament-opener on June against South Africa.

“I'm really hoping that he's going to be 100% fit," Ford said. "Before he left for the IPL, some of the work that he was putting in gave me great confidence. 

"All the indications are that he's going to be able to give us something special. 

"As time runs out on his career, he's very determined to make an impact on this Champions Trophy."