Sri Lanka-born Canadian former international cricketer Pubudu Dassanayake resigned his position as Nepal Cricket Team’s Head Coach a few months after they missed on T20 World Cup qualification and joined the Canada team on the same day.
He previously coached Everest Premier League side Bhairahawa Gladiators. He was also the coach of the United States national team, having earlier served for periods as head coach of Canada and Nepal.
Pubudu Dassanayake Steps Down as Nepal’s Head Coach
The right-handed wicket-keeper batsman have represented both Sri Lanka and Canada internationally.
After Dassanayake’s retirement from playing, he was appointed head coach of the national team in August 2007, having earlier spent several months as acting head coach.
Dassanayake oversaw Canada’s successful qualification for the 2011 World Cup but resigns as coach after the tournament’s completion. He was appointed coach of Nepal in October 2011, served until October 2015, and coached the team at the 2014 World Twenty20.
Dassanayake was appointed U.S.A Cricket team’s head coach in September 2016 but resigned in July 2019. But in August 2020, Dassanayake confirmed that he would be coaching franchise cricket in New Jersey.
“It was toughest decision that I have to take in my coaching career,” Dassanayake said. “I love Nepal Cricket and I am very emotional to leave at this stage. Reason for my departure is to take care of my family when they need me the most.
I will regret if I cannot do my part to my family at this time. I wish Nepal team the best. Special thanks to the Cricket Association of Nepal for giving me this opportunity to come back to Nepal team and trusting my abilities. Wishing the very best to CAN [Cricket Association of Nepal].”
🚨 Breaking News 🚨
Pubudu Dassanayake appointed as Our New Head Coach!
Stay tuned for more details 🇨🇦 #cricketcanada pic.twitter.com/Ofg0PL0zsq
— Cricket Canada (@canadiancricket) July 20, 2022
Nepal had missed out on qualification to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, with Ireland and UAE making it from the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A tournament in Oman.
Canada, meanwhile, finished with just one win in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A and missed out on qualification too.
