Exclusive Interview with Sanath Jayasuriya: “My memories of playing in Bangladesh will always be close to my heart”

Towards the end of the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka series, Cricket97 sat down with Sri Lanka national team coach and 1996 World Cup winner Sanath Jayasuriya. In a candid conversation with Shihab Ahsan Khan, the legendary all-rounder reflected on his playing days in Bangladesh, the evolution of Bangladesh cricket, and shared insights on the current team and promising players. The full interview is presented below for Cricket97 readers.

Cricket97: You've played cricket for many years and spent a lot of time in Bangladesh — from Dhaka League to the BPL. What are your memories like?
Sanath Jayasuriya: Yes, I’ve toured Bangladesh many times with the Sri Lankan team. I’ve also played in the BPL and Dhaka League. I spent a wonderful part of my cricketing career here. The people in Bangladesh are lovely.

When I played for Mohammedan Sporting Club, the club management looked after me very well. I had great moments with everyone. I truly have many fond memories of playing in Dhaka—it was a special experience.

Cricket97: Is there any particular memory that stands out?
Jayasuriya: Yes, what surprised me the most during the Dhaka League was the crowd! It felt like I was playing an international match. We don’t get such big crowds for club matches in Sri Lanka. It was fun and very competitive. I enjoyed it a lot.

Cricket97: You must have made friends in Bangladesh. Any names that come to mind?
Jayasuriya: Of course! Mahbub Anam is a good friend of mine, and has been for many years. There's also Mirzan, another close friend and also a friend of Mahbub’s. They’ve always taken good care of me.

Even now when I come to Bangladesh, I meet them. And when they visit Sri Lanka, I make sure to see them too. Our friendship has remained strong over the years. They are truly wonderful people.

Cricket97: You've followed Bangladesh cricket for a long time. What’s your take on the current team, which like Sri Lanka, is going through a transition?
Jayasuriya: Every team goes through a transition. Senior players retire, and replacing them is never easy. The newcomers need time. When they get the opportunity, they’ll give their best. With experience, performance improves too.

Cricket97: Two of Bangladesh’s young openers—Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim—are left-handers like you. What do you think of them?
Jayasuriya: They’re playing their natural game, which is important. I’ve watched them in some ODIs and T20Is. They’re talented and are working on their game. But hard work is essential.

It’s not hard to get into the team—it’s hard to stay there. To keep your place, you have to keep performing consistently.

Cricket97: As a coach now, which Bangladeshi players have impressed you the most?
Jayasuriya: It’s hard to pick just one. The openers (Tamim, Emon) have done well. Towhid Hridoy is playing really well. Liton Das is a fine cricketer.

And the player who scored 40 runs in the second T20I in Dambulla—Shamim Hossain Patwari—he’s very energetic, very active on the field. Several players are performing well.

Cricket97: Back in your day, Bangladesh’s pace attack wasn’t that strong. Now they have pacers like Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana. What’s your take?
Jayasuriya: Every team needs quality fast bowlers. Bangladesh has been looking for that too. Thanks to high-performance programs and extensive scouting, they’ve found some good pacers. That’s how cricket evolves.

Cricket97: When was the last time you visited Bangladesh?
Jayasuriya: I came last year during the Test and ODI series—not as coach, but as a consultant. It was a good experience.

Cricket97: Do you have a favorite Bangladeshi dish?
Jayasuriya: That’s a tough one. I enjoy food, but I don’t eat meat—I love fish though.

Cricket97: Do you speak any Bangla?
Jayasuriya: Not really. It’s difficult for me—I don’t speak it.

Cricket97: As coach, what advice would you give to this transitioning Bangladesh team?
Jayasuriya: I think they’re doing well. They have a good coach in Phil Simmons, who is experienced and working hard with the players. I’m sure the team is giving their best.

Cricket97: You have many fans in Bangladesh—myself included. Any message for them?
Jayasuriya: I’ve always loved being in Bangladesh. The people here love cricket and are always supportive. I hope that continues in the future. Keep loving cricket—that’s what matters most.

Cricket97: There has been growing rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, especially since the Nidahas Trophy. What’s your take?
Jayasuriya: I think both teams want to win. Every match is important to both sides. The players understand the significance. But as long as they enjoy the game, that’s what really matters. That’s the beauty of cricket.