Gary Kirsten Named Head Coach of Sri Lanka Men’s Cricket Team

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially appointed Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of the national men’s cricket team. The former South Africa batter will assume his role on April 15, 2026, under a two-year contract extending until April 14, 2028.

A Proven Track Record

Kirsten brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Sri Lankan side. He famously led India to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and guided South Africa to the top of the Test rankings. More recently, he served as a consultant for Namibia during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ESPN.

Succession from Sanath Jayasuriya

Kirsten succeeds Sanath Jayasuriya, who resigned as head coach following Sri Lanka’s exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup BBC. Jayasuriya will transition to lead the High Performance Centre.

Strategic Appointment for the 2027 World Cup

SLC stated that Kirsten’s primary responsibility will be to guide the team’s preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia BBC. His intimate knowledge of South African conditions is expected to be a valuable asset Hindustan Times.

Continuing a Tradition of Foreign Coaching Expertise

Kirsten will continue a long-standing tradition of non-Sri Lankan coaches influencing the nation’s cricketing success. Previous foreign coaches include Dav Whatmore (1996 World Cup win), Tom Moody, Trevor Bayliss, and Chris Silverwood ESPN.

Addressing Recent Performance

The appointment marks a shift in strategy following Sri Lanka’s performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team is seeking stability and a clear blueprint for consistent performance in the modern game ESPN.