Gary Kirsten Takes the Helm

Gary Kirsten has been appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka national team, marking a significant move for Sri Lanka Cricket as they prepare for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Kirsten signed a two-year contract that will commence on April 15, 2026, and will conclude on April 14, 2028.

Kirsten, who previously served as head coach for India from 2008 to 2011 and South Africa from 2011 to 2013, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Under his leadership, India clinched the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, while South Africa achieved the number one ranking in all formats in 2013.

His most recent role was as a consultant for Namibia during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Kirsten’s appointment follows the resignation of Sanath Jayasuriya after the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, indicating a strategic shift for Sri Lanka Cricket aimed at strengthening the national side.

During his illustrious playing career from 1993 to 2004, Kirsten scored a total of 14,087 runs in international cricket, including 21 Test centuries and 13 ODI centuries. His extensive experience as both a player and coach positions him well to guide Sri Lanka through the upcoming challenges.

Kirsten’s primary objective will be to prepare the Sri Lankan team for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027, a task that will require building a cohesive and competitive squad. Observers expect that his proven track record will play a crucial role in revitalizing the team’s performance on the international stage.

As Sri Lanka Cricket embarks on this new chapter under Kirsten’s leadership, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see how his strategies and coaching philosophies translate into results on the field.