Pothas ends Sri Lanka contract early to be with young family

Having severed ties with Sri Lanka Cricket, former South African wicketkeeper-batsman Nic Pothas has stated that the decision to finish his tenure early was taken in order to spend more time with his young family. Pothas, who was hired as Sri Lanka's Fielding Coach in 2016, functioned as the Head Coach for six months after the sudden departure of his mentor Graham Ford.

Pothas' two-year contract with SLC was to end in August, but he had made a request to leave early and he ended his contract with SLC on the 13th of April.

"After two incredible years with Sri Lanka Cricket, this is the right time for me to move on to other opportunities, which will allow me to spend quality time with my young family," Pothas told in a statement.

The 44-year-old lives in Southampton and is believed to be looking for coaching opportunities in the United Kingdom. In November last year, Pothas pulled out of the Sri Lankan team's visit to Lahore pointing out family reasons.

Pothas oversaw back to back series against world's number one ranked India where the Sri Lankan side was beaten heavily. He was also the Head Coach when the team lost a first-ever ODI series to Zimbabwe. The highlight of his tenure was Sri Lanka ending Pakistan's unbeaten run in UAE. Pakistan had not lost a Test series in the Gulf region which became their adopted home since 2010. Sri Lanka won the two-match Test series 2-0.

"I would like to thank Sri Lanka Cricket for affording this special opportunity. I would also like to thank my fellow coaches and all the players I have had the pleasure and privilege to work with for all the support they have provided me. Finally, I must thank all the supporters who follow Sri Lanka so passionately, for all their support during my tenure," Pothas further said.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to be involved with Sri Lanka. It has given me the opportunity to learn and improve as a coach as well as to contribute to a very talented bunch of players. It will always hold a special place in my heart," he concluded.

SLC officials said that they will not hire a Fielding Coach but will rotate those in the Coaching Department like Upul Chandana and Manoj Abeywickrama as Fielding Coach.