Sri Lanka National Cricket Team: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) appointed former South Africa international Gary Kirsten as the head coach of the national men’s team on Monday, March 9, 2026. Kirsten will replace Sanath Jayasuriya, who stepped down after Sri Lanka’s exit in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this month. The 58-year-old will take charge from April 15 on a two-year contract.

Kirsten most recently worked as a consultant with Namibia during the T20 World Cup.

He is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in international cricket, having previously guided India to the ODI World Cup title in 2011. He later served as South Africa’s head coach and helped the team reach the top of the ICC rankings in all three formats.

Sri Lanka Cricket said Kirsten’s primary responsibility will be preparing the national side for the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027.

“Among Kirsten’s major responsibilities will be guiding the men’s national team in its preparation for the ODI World Cup 2027, which will be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe,” SLC said in a statement.