Sri Lanka Cricket Strengthens Coaching Team with New Appointments

Key Coaching Appointments Announced by Sri Lanka Cricket

Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 2: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made significant strides in enhancing its coaching framework at the National High Performance Center, with new appointments announced on Thursday.

Ryan van Niekerk has been appointed as the National Bowling Coach. The former Netherlands international, who previously 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.

During his tenure, van Niekerk was instrumental in the Netherlands' participation in major ICC events, such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and several T20 World Cups. He is set to begin his two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket on April 15, 2026.

Additionally, Jordan Gregory has been appointed as the National Fielding and Spin Bowling Coach. Gregory, who has experience 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 has experience from global tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023, and will start his role on April 15 under a two-year agreement.

These appointments follow the recent selection of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of 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 2013. His most recent role was 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 progress to the semi-finals.