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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have decided to make a major addition to their coaching set-up ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. They have brought Lasith Malinga on board for a short-term basis. They have confirmed that he will be serving the role for a little over a month from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026.
Malinga's stunning numbers in T20Is
Malinga, who made his last T20I appearance for Sri Lanka back in 2020, is nothing short of a legend when it comes to the format. He hung up his boots after featuring in 84 T20Is for the Lankan Lions and clinching a total of 107 wickets. He picked up two fifers and a 4-fer in his illustrious career and even played a key role in Sri Lanka's 2014 T20 World Cup triumph where they defeated India in the final.
“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,” the SLC said in an official statement.
During his playing days, Malinga was widely regarded as one of the best death bowlers of his generation and had a habit of picking up wickets in the final four overs of a T20I innings. He can play an influential role as the current team's fast-bowling consultant and the young pacers will get to learn a lot from him.
Sri Lanka's upcoming T20I assignments
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be playing a three-match T20I series against both Pakistan and England at home before the World Cup. These assignments will be the team's final bit of preparation heading into the major tournament. Coming to the T20 World Cup, the Lankan Lions have been drawn in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign against Ireland in a clash that will take place on February 8 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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Sri Lanka's preliminary squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Traveen Mathew
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