Is Lasith Malinga the Right Choice as Fast Bowling Consultant for Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup Plans?
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Synopsis
Lasith Malinga's return to Sri Lankan cricket as a fast bowling consultant raises excitement ahead of the Men's T20 World Cup 2026. With his unmatched expertise and experience, will he be the key to unlocking Sri Lanka's bowling potential? Discover how this legendary bowler plans to impact the national team.
Key Takeaways
- Lasith Malinga appointed as fast bowling consultant for Sri Lanka.
- Short-term role from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026.
- Aims to enhance performance for the T20 World Cup 2026.
- Malinga has vast international T20 experience.
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 starts on February 7, 2026.
Mumbai, Dec 30 (NationPress) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made a significant move by appointing Lasith Malinga, renowned as one of the best bowlers in white-ball cricket, as the Consultant - Fast Bowling Coach for the national men's team. This appointment is on a temporary basis for one month, aimed at bolstering their preparations for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted with India.
Malinga, known for his unique sling-shot bowling style, has an impressive record, representing Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, 226 One-Day Internationals, and 84 Twenty20 Internationals, where he has claimed 101, 338, and 107 wickets, respectively. He played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's triumph at the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014 in Bangladesh and was a finalist twice — in 2009 in England and 2012 on home soil. Additionally, he reached the finals twice in the 50-over World Cup in 2007 and 2011.
Sri Lanka Cricket expressed, "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lasith Malinga as the Consultant – Fast Bowling Coach for the National Men’s Team. His term is effective from December 15 to January 25, 2026."
Malinga's extensive international experience and expertise in death bowling, particularly in T20 matches, will be crucial for enhancing the skills of Sri Lanka's national fast bowlers as they gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The tournament will kick off on February 7, 2026, with the opening match set to take place at the SSC in Colombo.
At 42 years old, Malinga brings a wealth of knowledge from his T20 career, having participated in various franchise leagues globally alongside international fixtures.
His history includes playing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2017 and again from 2019 to 2020. He has also played for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and several teams in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), among others.
Point of View
The appointment of Lasith Malinga as fast bowling consultant signifies a strategic move by Sri Lanka Cricket that reflects a commitment to leveraging seasoned expertise in preparation for a major tournament. His past successes and deep knowledge of the game suggest he will be an invaluable asset for the national team as they aim for glory in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Lasith Malinga appointed as a fast bowling consultant?
Lasith Malinga was appointed to leverage his extensive experience and skills in fast bowling to enhance the performance of Sri Lanka's national team in preparation for the Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
How long will Malinga serve in this role?
Malinga's appointment is for a short-term period of one month, effective from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026.
What is Malinga's experience in T20 cricket?
Malinga has a rich T20 cricket background, having played in various international and franchise leagues worldwide, including the IPL, BPL, and CPL.
What are Malinga's notable achievements in cricket?
Malinga is known for his contributions to Sri Lanka's victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2014 and has also been a finalist in multiple World Cups.
When does the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 start?
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to commence on February 7, 2026.
