In a shocking turn of events, Sri Lankan pace bowling legend Chaminda Vaas has resigned from the post of Sri Lanka’s fast bowling coach after just a few days of being appointed. The Sri Lankan Cricket board (SLC) has claimed that the former ace of pace has been “holding the game at ransom.” The move came on the heels of the national team’s departure for their tour of the West Indies. The unexpected turn has the SLC scrambling to find a replacement for Vaas.
The SLC will take a decision on Vaas’ replacement very soon and it’s working hard to get a replacement from one of the coaches who are working at the high performance centre.
What led to Chaminda Vaas’ resignation?
According to an SLC media release, Vaas’ resignation was a result of a dispute over remuneration. SLC administrators have also expressed their displeasure at the resignation.
“It is particularly disheartening to note that in an economic climate such as the one facing the entire globe right now, Mr. Vaas has made this sudden and irresponsible move on the eve of the team’s departure, based on personal monetary gain,” stated the release.
“The Management of SLC, and indeed the entire nation, hold Mr. Vaas in high esteem as a cricketer who has excelled for his country. His years of yeoman service have been appreciated and rewarded over the years both in status and in kind.
“In such circumstances, it is extremely disheartening that a legend such as Chaminda Vaas has resorted to holding the administration, the cricketers, and indeed the game at ransom, by handing in his resignation at the eleventh hour, citing the administration’s refusal to accede to an unjustifiable demand for an increased USD remuneration, in spite of being a contracted employee of Sri Lanka Cricket, already receiving remuneration that is in keeping with his experience, qualifications, and expertise, in addition to which he would have been entitled to the usual USD per diems offered to all members of a travelling squad.”
What did Chaminda Vaas say about his resignation?
Since the event has unfolded, Vaas said through a tweet that he had “made a humble request to SLC and they turned it down.” Vaas also asked for his salary to be in the same range as the outgoing pace bowling coach, Saker. SLC has long had a payment structure wherein foreign coaches earn considerably more than their local counterparts. One of the main reasons behind that was the fact that foreign coaches get paid in foreign currency and it has a great exchange rate when compared to the Sri Lankan Rupee.
What are the implications of Vaas’ resignation?
Vaas’ resignation is the latest in a string of disruptions ahead of Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies. Vaas was hired after David Saker had resigned prior to the tour because of personal reasons. Earlier today, pacer Lahiru Kumara tested positive for Covid-19 as well. This comes on the heels of head coach Mickey Arthur being in quarantine after testing positive at the start of February. The Sri Lankan team has already been decimated because of injuries.
