May 15, Colombo (LNW): Former Sri Lankan international wicketkeeper-batter Pubudu Dassanayake has been reappointed as head coach of the United States men’s national cricket team, marking a second tenure in the role.
The 54-year-old, who previously led the side between 2016 and 2019, takes over the reins following Stuart Law’s departure after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Dassanayake’s return is expected to usher in a fresh wave of ambition for USA Cricket, particularly as the team has already secured qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup to be held in India.
During his earlier stint, Dassanayake was instrumental in helping the American side achieve One Day International (ODI) status for the first time in its history — a significant milestone for cricket in the country.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Dassanayake described the opportunity to return as an “honour” and highlighted the considerable potential within the current setup.
“The foundation laid in the past remains strong, and now it’s time to build upon it. I believe this team has what it takes to make a deeper mark in global cricket,” he said, in a statement released via the International Cricket Council.
Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Dassanayake has garnered a reputation for elevating emerging cricketing nations. His coaching résumé includes guiding Nepal to their inaugural T20 World Cup appearance in 2014 and aiding Canada’s return to ODI status in 2023, followed by their debut in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Since his previous spell with the USA, the American cricket landscape has evolved significantly. The launch of Major League Cricket (MLC) and the continued development of Minor League Cricket (MiLC) have created a more robust domestic infrastructure, widening the pipeline of professional talent across the country.
Dassanayake has remained actively engaged with these leagues and has an established rapport with key national players, including captain Monank Patel and vice-captain Jasdeep Singh, both of whom rose through the ranks under his previous guidance.
Addressing the press, Dassanayake emphasised the importance of meritocracy in the national selection process. “We aim to create an honest and transparent system where performance is the primary criterion. The players need to understand that their numbers, discipline, and consistency will determine their place in the squad,” he stated. He also hinted at scouting for untapped talent within the country, while praising the current squad as “settled and promising.”
With USA cricket enjoying increased visibility following the co-hosting of the 2024 T20 World Cup, expectations are rising for the team to move beyond their associate status and compete consistently at the international level. Dassanayake’s return is widely viewed as a stabilising force, capable of building upon the existing momentum.
