Lasith Malinga Returns As Sri Lanka’s Short-Term Pace Bowling Consultant For T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket have appointed Lasith Malinga as a short-term consultant fast-bowling coach to strengthen preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Former Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga has been roped in by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as a consultant fast-bowling coach on a short-term basis ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India starting January 7.

The cricket board confirmed that Malinga’s appointment will run for one month, from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026. The move is aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka’s pace-bowling resources in the lead-up to the global event.

“Malinga will support the preparation and development of Sri Lanka’s national fast bowlers as part of the build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malinga’s vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game, to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in an official statement.

Lasith Malinga’s Illustrous Career

Malinga retired from international cricket in 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic brought world cricket to a halt. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time. In 84 T20Is for Sri Lanka, he picked up 107 wickets, with best figures of 5/6.

The former skipper is also an IPL legend, having taken 170 wickets in 122 matches for Mumbai Indians. He currently serves as the bowling coach of the five-time IPL champions.

Sri Lanka have been placed in Group B of the T20 World Cup alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. Coached by Sanath Jayasuriya, they will begin their campaign against Ireland on February 8 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

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Ahead of the World Cup, Sri Lanka are scheduled to face Pakistan in a three-match T20I series starting January 7. While Pakistan have already announced their squad, Sri Lanka are yet to name theirs. The island nation failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage in the previous T20 World Cup and will be keen to deliver a stronger performance this time around.