Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed Gary Kirsten as the head of their men’s team. The development comes after Sanath Jayasuriya resigned during a press conference after Sri Lanka’s defeat to England in Pallekele.
Despite being in contention to reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026, Jayasuriya had already made up his mind to leave. In fact, he’d made his intentions clear in January. His contract ran till March 31, but he chose to leave.
Sri Lanka names new head coach
In less than 3 weeks, SLC has found a replacement for Jayasuriya. In a press release, the cricket body confirmed former South Africa cricketer and well-respected coach Gary Kirsten as their head coach for the next 2 years. Kirsten was working as a consultant for Namibia during the T20 World Cup but is best remembered for being part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning campaign.
Kirsten will take charge on April 15, meaning he won’t be part of Sri Lanka’s white-ball series against Afghanistan in March. His contract will run until April 14, 2028. Which means he’ll be there for the remainder of the 2025-27 World Test Championship and the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. His expertise could help Sri Lanka end the ICC trophy drought, having last won a title in 2014.
“Sri Lanka have announced the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the new head coach of the national men’s side. The former South African international has been appointed for a two-year period starting April 15, 2026,” SLC said. “His primary responsibility will now be to prepare and guide Sri Lanka through the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which is set to be hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe,” it further added.
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