Jayasuriya confirms resignation after Sharjah

Sri Lanka skipper Sanath Jayasuriya has confirmed that the ongoing four-nation Sharjah Cup will be his last tournament as captain.

Jayasuriya, interviewed by TEN Sports during Sri Lanka's second game against Kenya, believes the time has come to look to the future and hand over the leadership.

Jayasuriya tendered his resignation soon after the World Cup but was persuaded to stay on by the sports minister and selectors for the Sharjah Cup.

"I was asked to continue for Sharjah but after this they will have to find someone else to do the job," said Jayasuriya. "I have made my decision and I will continue as a player."

Explaining his decision, he said: "After the World Cup I thought the time had come to groom someone for the 2007 World Cup."

The 33-year-old believes Marvan Atapattu, the current vice-captain, is his natural successor: "My personal thinking is that Marvan (Atapattu) should take over - he has a lot of experience and has been vice-captain for some time now."