Mickey Arthur to resign as the coach of Sri Lanka after the West Indies series, to join Derbyshire

Sri Lanka head coach Mickey Arthur will part ways with the team after the upcoming Test series against West Indies. Arthur conveyed his decision to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Tuesday (November 16). The South African will next be seen as the director of Derbyshire for three years.

In a letter written to the Lankan board, Arthur said the decision was a tough one to make but admitted that Sri Lankan cricket is heading in the right direction. "I just wanted to inform you that with regret and against my preferred option I have signed a 3-year contract as Director of Cricket with Derbyshire County Cricket Club to commence after my last assignment being the Test series against West Indies", he has written an e-mail to Shammi Silva (SLC chief), Ashely de Silva (CEO) and Mohan de silva (secretary).

"I know that Sri Lanka is a far better place than when I arrived and have helped groom some very good talent as well as developing a team and brand that can give SLC some sustainable success in the future", he has said in a letter.

The Lankan head coach was at the helm since December 2019. He took over when the team was in a transition phase. Although Sri Lanka lost majority of matches, Arthur was instrumental in unearthing few exciting talents in the team. He was keen to continue as the coach but felt there was no clarity on his future.

"All I wanted was an indication from SLC that you were happy with the job that myself and my very loyal and good support staff were doing, and I would have stayed, having not received anything I felt with no option. I have fallen in love with Sri Lanka Cricket, the players, the people, and your beautiful country".

Arthur signed off by saying that he is determined to end his tenure on a good note with the Sri Lankan team. "I am determined beyond no end to help the players beat the West Indies in the last series and would like nothing better to sign off with a Test series win,” Arthur concluded.