Sri Lanka have appointed former captain Lasith Malinga as a consultant fast bowling coach on a short-term basis as preparations intensify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed in a statement that Malinga’s appointment will run from 15 December to 25 January 2026. The role forms part of the national team’s build-up to the global event, which Sri Lanka will co-host from February.
Malinga captained Sri Lanka to their only T20 World Cup title in 2014, leading the side to victory over India. Renowned for his mastery at the death, the former fast bowler finished his international T20 career with 107 wickets from 84 appearances and remains one of the format’s most influential exponents.
Since retiring from all forms of cricket in 2021, the 42-year-old has been active as a mentor and coach across various T20 franchise leagues. He also served as Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy coach in 2022, giving him recent experience within the national setup.
Sri Lanka will look to maximise Malinga’s expertise as they finalise plans for the tournament. The island nation have been placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman. Former champions Sri Lanka will begin their campaign against Ireland on 8 February at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.
The selectors have already announced a preliminary squad for the competition. In the lead-up to the World Cup, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play a home series against Pakistan and England, offering valuable opportunities to fine-tune combinations under Malinga’s guidance.
