Chaminda Vaas has quit his role as Sri Lanka’s bowling coach before being accused of leaving for “personal monetary gain” and holding the team “at ransom”.
Sri Lanka Cricket also described Vaas’s move as “sudden and irresponsible” in a strongly-worded statement after the bowling great handed in his resignation on Monday.
Vaas’s resignation is effective from March 26 and he informed the board that he will not go with the national team on the upcoming tour of the West Indies.
“It is particularly disheartening to note that in an economic climate such as the one facing the entire globe right now, Mr Vaas has made this sudden and irresponsible move based on personal monetary gain,” Sri Lanka Cricket said.
SLC said it refused Vaas’s demand for an increase in pay, blaming the former left-arm fast bowler of handing in his resignation at the last minute.
“It is extremely disheartening that a legend such as Chaminda Vaas has resorted to holding the administration, the cricketers, and indeed the game at ransom,” SLC said.
SLC said Vaas is already receiving pay “that is in keeping with his experience, qualifications, and expertise”.
The statement went on to say that Vaas’s “yeoman service” over the years was appreciated and was also rewarded.
Vaas, 47, is one of the most capped Sri Lanka cricketers, claiming 355 wickets in 111 test matches and 400 wickets in 322 ODIs before stopping in 2009.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three Twenty20s, three ODIs and two Test matches against the West Indies, starting on March 4.