Sri Lanka Cricket Enhances Coaching Team with New Appointments

Strengthening High Performance Coaching

On Thursday, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) made significant strides in enhancing its coaching framework by announcing key appointments at its National High Performance Center. Ryan van Niekerk has been appointed as the National Bowling Coach. The former international coach from the Netherlands, who held roles as both bowling coach and interim head coach from 2023 to 2026, will focus on developing fast bowling talent across all national teams, including the senior men's squad. Van Niekerk played a crucial role in the Netherlands' participation in major ICC events, such as the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and several T20 World Cups during his tenure. His two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket will commence on April 15, 2026.

Additionally, Jordan Gregory has been appointed as the National Fielding and Spin Bowling Coach. Gregory, who previously served as a fielding consultant for the Netherlands Cricket team, will work on improving fielding standards and spin bowling capabilities across all national teams. He also brings valuable experience from global tournaments, including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2023. Like van Niekerk, Gregory will start his two-year contract on April 15.

Comprehensive Coaching Restructuring

These recent appointments follow the selection of Gary Kirsten as the head coach for the national men's team. The former South African cricketer boasts an impressive coaching background, having led India to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and guiding South Africa to the top of the ICC rankings in all formats in 2013. Most recently, he served as a consultant for Namibia during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Kirsten's appointment came after the resignation of former head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, who stepped down following Sri Lanka's disappointing performance at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where the team did not advance to the semi-finals.