Dassanayake quits as Canada coach

	Pubudu Dassanayake will no longer be working with Canada as coach © Eddie Norfolk Enlarge

Canada's coach has chosen not to renew his contract once it expires at the end of the month after three years in the job.

Dassanayake, who played 11 Tests for Sri Lanka, took up the position in 2007 but has decided not to extend his contract. Canada had a disappointing World Cup recently in Asia, where they won just a single match, but Dassanayake has overseen an improvement in the infrastructure in Canadian cricket.

"I would like to thank the organization and the cricket community in Canada for the warm support our team has received over the past three years," he said. "I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for those of you who supported me personally over the years and those who gave their time and efforts to help the team achieve so much in such a short time."

Though stepping aside from the main position, Dassanayake was keen to stay involved and pledged to assist Canadian cricket as much possible in the future.

"I will always be available to assist Canadian cricket in whatever capacity I can to ensure that we keep moving forward and continue to build on what we have started," he said. "Over the past three years we have taken massive steps both on and off the field and we now sit on the cusp of doing something very special on the international cricket scene.

"While not all times were easy, they were necessary for our program to turn the corner. I have been proud to play a part in that and I wish all the players and the organization as a whole the best of luck moving forward."