Pubudu Dassanayake, a former wicketkeeper for Sri Lanka, has been named head coach of the men’s national team by USA Cricket. This is the 54-year-old’s second tenure in the position; from 2016 to 2019, he coached the USA, a team that accomplished historic things, including gaining ODI status for the first time.
Stuart Law, who resigned after captaining the side during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which was co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, would be replaced by Dassanayake. Dassanayake’s presence can help the USA, who have already qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.
Returning to head the USA Men’s National Team is an honour. I’m pleased of what we achieved when I was here before, and I think this group has a lot of potential to do even more. According to the ICC, he stated, “I’m excited to continue constructing something significant for USA Cricket in close collaboration with the players and staff.”
Prior to bringing Canada to their first T20 World Cup appearance in 2024, the Kandy native helped guide Nepal to their first T20 World Cup in 2014 and assisted Canada in regaining their ODI status in 2023. Major League Cricket (MLC) was introduced, among other adjustments, to the American cricket squad since his last term.
It’s interesting to observe what other skills our nation possesses: Pubudu Dassanayake
The league has greatly increased the talent pool in the country, especially when combined with the thriving Minor League Cricket (MiLC). Notably, he has also played a significant role in various franchise leagues’ coaching setups. Both USA captain Monank Patel and vice-captain Jasdeep Singh, who rose through the ranks under his leadership during his first spell, share a particular affinity with him.
“We want to create a systemic atmosphere where team members’ performance is the only factor that counts. The players will therefore understand that your work ethic, effort, and stats are the only factors that should be included in the system once we have established that honest method. It would be intriguing to discover what additional skills our nation possesses. Nevertheless, the current team is a very respectable and stable group, Dassanayake stated.
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