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Lasith Malinga Returns to Sri Lanka as Fast Bowling Coach for T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga as a consultant fast bowling coach on a short-term basis ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The 42-year-old, who captained Sri Lanka to the 2014 T20 World Cup title, brings immense experience, particularly in death bowling, having taken 107 T20I wickets. His appointment comes as Sri Lanka prepares to co-host the tournament, starting with a Group B clash against Ireland. The team will also play preparatory series against Pakistan and England in the lead-up to the global event.

Key Points: Malinga Appointed Sri Lanka's Fast Bowling Coach for T20 WC

  • Short-term consultant role
  • 2014 T20 WC-winning captain
  • Death bowling specialist
  • Mentored in franchise leagues
2 min read

Sri Lanka appoints Lasith Malinga as consultant fast bowling coach

Sri Lanka Cricket appoints legend Lasith Malinga as consultant fast bowling coach for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Details on his role and Sri Lanka's campaign.

"brings a wealth of experience in the fast-bowling department - ICC"

New Delhi, December 30

Sri Lanka has appointed legendary pacer Lasith Malinga as a consultant fast bowling coach ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed in a statement that Malinga's appointment is on a short-term basis, effective from 15th December to 25th January 2026. Having skippered the team to the title against India in 2014, Malinga brings a wealth of experience in the fast-bowling department, according to the ICC website.

Boasting 107 wickets from 84 T20I appearances and best known for his death bowling nous, the 42-year-old has mentored and coached in T20 franchise leagues since his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2021.

He also played the role of Sri Lanka's bowling strategy coach in 2022. Sri Lanka will be looking to make the most of his experience as they braces to co-host the upcoming global event starting February 7.

The island nation is slotted in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. The former champions will face off against Ireland in their opening fixture on February 8 at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.

The team had recently announced a preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka will play a home series against Pakistan and England in the lead-up to the marquee tournament.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Smart appointment. His experience in IPL and other leagues is invaluable. But it's only a short-term consultancy? For a home World Cup, they might need him for longer to build a proper strategy. Hope it works out for them.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian fan, I still have PTSD from his bowling 😅. Jokes aside, this is fantastic for cricket. True legends giving back to the game. Sri Lanka's pace attack could become very dangerous under his guidance.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how this plays out. Coaching is different from playing. He has the respect, but does he have the structured coaching methodology? The short tenure suggests it's more about morale and specific skills than a long-term build.
V
Vikram M
Group B looks tough with Australia. But with Malinga's mind games and death bowling tips, SL might just pull off an upset or two. Their home advantage + Malinga's nous could be a winning combo. Looking forward to the tournament!
K
Karthik V
Good for cricket in the subcontinent. We need strong teams like Sri Lanka to be competitive. Hope BCCI is also looking at our own legends for specialized coaching roles. Malinga setting a great example.

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