Sri Lanka has appointed legendary fast bowler Lasith Malinga as consultant fast bowling coach on a short-term basis ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which the island nation will co-host starting February 7. The appointment, confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), runs from December 15 to January 25, 2026, and aims to leverage Malinga’s vast experience in the fast-bowling department as Sri Lanka prepare for the marquee tournament.

Malinga brings T20 World Cup-winning experience

Malinga, who captained Sri Lanka to their only T20 World Cup title in 2014 against India in Bangladesh, brings unmatched expertise in limited-overs cricket. The 42-year-old is one of the greatest T20 bowlers of all time, having claimed 107 wickets in 84 T20I appearances and earned a fearsome reputation for his death bowling skills.

Known for his distinctive sling-arm action and lethal yorkers, Malinga revolutionized fast bowling in the shorter formats and became a nightmare for batters in the final overs of matches. His ability to execute yorkers at will under pressure made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in T20 franchise leagues worldwide.

Since retiring from all forms of cricket in 2021, Malinga has remained involved in the game as a mentor and coach in various T20 franchise leagues. He also served as Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy coach in 2022, providing tactical insights and guidance to the national team’s pace attack.

Sri Lanka aim to capitalize on home advantage

Sri Lanka will co-host the T20 World Cup alongside India, and the team will be eager to make the most of home conditions and Malinga’s expertise. The island nation is placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.

Sri Lanka will kick off their campaign against Ireland on February 8 at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo, a venue where they have historically enjoyed strong support and favorable conditions.

Home series against Pakistan and England as preparation

In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will play home series against Pakistan and England, providing valuable match practice and an opportunity for Malinga to work closely with the fast bowlers. These series will be crucial for fine-tuning strategies, testing combinations, and building momentum ahead of the global tournament.

Sri Lanka recently announced a preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup, and Malinga’s appointment signals the board’s intent to maximize the team’s chances of success on home soil.

With Malinga’s wealth of knowledge and experience, Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers will have access to one of the best T20 bowling minds in the game—a factor that could prove decisive in a tournament where death bowling often makes the difference between winning and losing.