Sri Lanka turns to its most feared fast bowler as Lasith Malinga returns to guide the national pace unit ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Former Sri Lanka pace icon Lasith Malinga has been appointed as Consultant Fast Bowling Coach for the National Men’s Team, Sri Lanka Cricket announced.
Malinga’s appointment is on a short-term basis, spanning one month from 15 December to 25 January 2026. During this period, he will work closely with Sri Lanka’s national fast bowlers, focusing on skill development, match preparation, and tactical refinement as part of the build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka Cricket said the decision is aimed at leveraging Malinga’s vast international experience, particularly his legendary mastery of death bowling in T20 cricket. His insights are expected to play a key role in sharpening Sri Lanka’s bowling strategies in the shortest format of the game.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, is scheduled to begin on 7 February 2026, with the opening match set to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Malinga’s return adds significant momentum to Sri Lanka’s World Cup preparations.
