Pothas on the list to become permanent SL coach

Cape Town - Nic Pothas is in the running to become the permanent coach of Sri Lanka, with the board hoping to finalise the appointment by the end of this year.

Pothas has been Sri Lanka interim coach since Graham Ford resigned in June and has overseen Test series wins against Zimbabwe and recently against Pakistan in the UAE.

Sri Lanka has however lost their last 16 limited-overs matches, including ODI and T20I whitewashes against India and Pakistan.

SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said: "We are discussing with about three or four coaches, including Nic Pothas. We hope to finalise the decision by the end of the year.

"When it comes to recruiting a new coach, we have to be sure to select the right one, therefore it takes some time.

"As for the names, some of them are still working in other places so if it gets leaked they won't be happy. We'll reveal it when the time is right."

De Silva could not confirm if the new coach will be in place for Sri Lanka's tour to India, with the first Test scheduled to start on 16 November.