Colombo: Distressed by the indifferent show in the World Cup, Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya has offered to quit his post "in the best interest of the game" but he is being egged on to continue. Jayasuriya offered to step down from captaincy immediately after the team arrived from South Africa on Friday, Johnston Fernando, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, was quoting as saying in the state-run 'Daily News'. However, Johnston said he had urged Jayasuriya to stay on at the helm, "I see no reason as to why you should step down. We - the national selectors, the Sports Ministry and the Board - appointed you to lead and you should continue." Jayasuriya, who met the selectors on Saturday, will consider his future over the weekend before making a final decision on Monday when the squad for the Sharjah Cup is named. Sri Lanka's World Cup campaign never looked convincing. It managed a Super Sixes berth after a rain-affected tie with hosts South Africa. The Super Sixes saw it losing to Australia and India before scampering to the semi-final where it was shown the door by the defending champion. Jayasuriya has reportedly confirmed his willingness to step down to friends and it appears likely that he will hand over the leadership to vice-captain Marvan Atapattu. Jayasuriya was appointed captain after the sacking of Arjuna Ranatunga in 1999. He led the side to a record 10 consecutive Test victories in 2002. Extras:
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Tags: cricket, world cup, sri lankan skipper sanath jayasuriya, sri lankan minister of youth affairs and sports johnston fernando, marvan atapattu, arjuna ranatunga.