Cricket360.com brings you breaking news of the Sri Lankan cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene announcing his stepping down from the captaincy. He has been quoted in the cricket news as explaining that this decision is in the best interests of the team and explains the timing saying that this gives plenty of time for preparation before the 2011 World Cup.

"This is something I have been considering for some time as it has been my long-held belief that my successor should have at least 18 months in the job to imprint his vision on the team for the 2011 World Cup.” He made it plain that he is not quitting the team he has clarified that he pledged his support to his successor when appointed. "I look forward now to extending my full support to my successor and hope to play a major part in the team's success during coming years as a batsman," he said.

Jayawardene had called for a meeting with the national selectors today morning and submitted to them his intention to step down as captain, ensuring sufficient time to his successor to build the team for the 2011 World Cup. During the discussion it was agreed that her would remain captain and lead his team for the forthcoming two-match Test series in Pakistan.

He said about his teammates, “I would like to extend a special thank-you to my team-mates for making the job so easy and fulfilling, to the Sri Lanka Cricket officials and selectors who placed their faith in me and to family, friends and fans who have provided so much support.”

Jayawardene will be missed as he has been Sri Lanka’s most successful captain in test matches, having a winning ratio of 62.5% in tests. In ODIs he has a winning ratio of 57%. He has been captain of the Sri Lankan team since the past three years led his team to the finals of the last world cup in 2007 when they lost to Australia.

Cricket360 will keep you posted about who will be replacing Jayawardene as the captain of the Sri Lankan side.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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