Lasith Malinga Joins Sri Lanka as Fast Bowling Consultant for T20 World Cup 2026

Malinga Takes on Fast Bowling Consultant Role

New Delhi, December 30: Sri Lanka has officially named the iconic fast bowler Lasith Malinga as a consultant for their fast bowling unit in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Sri Lanka Cricket board announced that Malinga's consultancy will be short-term, running from December 15 to January 25, 2026. Malinga, who led the team to victory against India in the 2014 T20 World Cup, is expected to bring significant expertise to the fast-bowling lineup, as noted by the ICC.

With an impressive record of 107 wickets in 84 T20I matches, Malinga is particularly renowned for his skills in death bowling. Since retiring from all formats of the game in 2021, the 42-year-old has been involved in coaching roles within various T20 leagues.

In 2022, he served as Sri Lanka's bowling strategy coach. As the team prepares to co-host the upcoming T20 World Cup starting February 7, they are keen to leverage Malinga's extensive experience.

Sri Lanka is placed in Group B, competing against Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman. Their first match will be against Ireland on February 8 at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.

Recently, the team announced a preliminary squad for the T20 World Cup and is set to engage in a home series against Pakistan and England leading up to the tournament.