Sri Lanka Cricket Appoints New Coaches: Van Niekerk and Gregory
Synopsis
In a strategic move to enhance their cricketing prowess, Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Ryan van Niekerk and Jordan Gregory as bowling and fielding coaches, respectively. Set to begin on April 15, their expertise aims to strengthen the team's core skills ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.
Key Takeaways
Ryan van Niekerk appointed as the new bowling coach.
Jordan Gregory takes on the role of fielding and spin bowling coach.
Both coaches start on April 15 .
Focus on enhancing core skills across national squads.
Preparing for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 .
Colombo, April 2 (NationPress) - Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) disclosed on Thursday the appointment of Ryan van Niekerk as the new bowling coach and Jordan Gregory as the fielding and spin bowling coach, effective from April 15.
An official statement revealed that both coaches will manage their respective areas for all national teams, including the senior men’s squad, with an emphasis on enhancing essential skills.
Van Niekerk, who has previously served as the bowling coach for the Netherlands national cricket team and later as interim head coach between 2023 and 2026, will oversee fast bowling programs within Sri Lanka’s national framework. Before taking on the interim head coach position, he was also an assistant coach and bowling coach with the Dutch team.
During his time with the Netherlands, he was instrumental in the team’s participation in significant ICC events, such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and various ICC Men’s T20 World Cups. He will embark on his two-year term with Sri Lanka starting April 15, 2026.
Gregory, who has a background as a fielding consultant for the Netherlands Cricket, will be responsible for the development of fielding and spin bowling across all formats and age groups. His expertise includes participation in several international tournaments and bilateral series.
He will also start his two-year role on April 15, as part of SLC’s wider strategy to cultivate a strong high-performance environment.
Both Niekerk and Gregory will primarily guide the Sri Lanka National Men's Team in preparation for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, set to take place in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
This announcement follows Sri Lanka's recent hiring of former World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten as head coach, signaling a renewed commitment to fortify the national team following a disappointing performance in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where the team failed to progress beyond the Super 8s as the host nation.
In the aftermath of the tournament, former head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, who assumed the role shortly after the T20 World Cup 2024, has stepped down.
Point of View
It's evident that Sri Lanka Cricket is taking significant steps to revitalize its national team structure. The appointment of experienced coaches like Van Niekerk and Gregory reflects a serious commitment to improving performance on the international stage. Their expertise will be crucial as the team prepares for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the newly appointed coaches for Sri Lanka Cricket?
Ryan van Niekerk has been appointed as the bowling coach, while Jordan Gregory will serve as the fielding and spin bowling coach.
When will the new coaches start their roles?
Both coaches will begin their positions on April 15.
What is the main focus of the newly appointed coaches?
They will focus on enhancing core skills across all national squads, including the senior men’s team.
What is Ryan van Niekerk's previous experience?
He has served as a bowling coach and interim head coach for the Netherlands national cricket team.
What upcoming event will the coaches prepare the team for?
They will guide the Sri Lanka National Men's Team in preparation for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.
