PAUL FARBRACE has stepped down as second team coach at Yorkshire to take on the role of head coach with Sri Lanka.

Farbrace will make the switch immediately and join the Sri Lanka squad, who are playing against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

“Paul’s departure from the club is a loss and I would like to personally thank him for his efforts over the past two years in his role as second team coach,” said Yorkshire chairman Colin Graves.

“Paul leaves the club in an excellent condition and his dedication in developing the careers of some of our young players, who are now coming through the ranks, is a major part in moving the club forward to achieve its aims and ambitions.

“He goes to Sri Lanka with our blessing and we wish him well in the next chapter of his career. We look forward to welcoming him back to Headingley in June, when Sri Lanka will take on England in the opening Test series of the summer.”

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon said: “Paul has made a huge impact during his tenure at Headingley.

“He joined at the same time as Jason Gillespie (first team coach) as part of a new coaching structure in 2012 and both have been very successful in our development.

“Paul is an outstanding coach and deserves to take on this role with Sri Lanka Cricket. He has implemented a successful coaching model, which has underpinned our success over the past two years. In particular, his expertise in developing junior talent has seen him contribute to provide exciting players for the long-term future of the club.

“He is a good friend and will always be welcome to visit us at Headingley at any time.”

The Club will now consider a number of options before deciding the direction it will take to fill Farbrace’s position.

“We will sit down over the next few weeks and work out what is the best strategy for Yorkshire cricket,” said chief executive Mark Arthur.

“We are in no rush to fill the role and want to consider all our options. We have some quality people within the cricket department and their opinions will form the basis of our plans for the long-term benefit of professional cricket.”