Sri Lanka Appoints Gary Kirsten as Head Coach Ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday appointed Gary Kirsten , former India World Cup-winning coach , as the head coach of the national cricket team on a two-year contract starting April 15, 2026, lasting until April 14, 2028. His primary role will be to prepare the team for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

According to SLC, the move forms part of a broader strategy to revamp the National High Performance Center and strengthen the national squad ahead of major global tournaments. Gary Kirsten brings extensive international coaching experience, having led India to their 2011 World Cup triumph and serving as South Africa’s head coach from 2011 to 2013, during which the Proteas became the No.1-ranked team across all formats. After 2013, he worked with Pakistan briefly , served as a consultant for Cricket Namibia during the T20 World Cup , and most recently was appointed head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s team , continuing his long-standing presence in international cricket.

During his playing career from 1993 to 2004, Kirsten was one of South Africa’s most prolific batters , scoring 14,087 international runs , including 21 Test centuries and 13 ODI centuries .

Sri Lanka has faced a mixed performance record in recent years , often rebuilding its squad after the retirement of senior players. The team, as co-hosts, failed to reach the T20 World Cup semifinals, highlighting the need for strategic coaching and structural overhaul.

SLC emphasized that Kirsten’s focus will be on team strategy, player development, and performance optimisation , aiming to deliver a strong showing in the 2027 ODI World Cup . With his proven track record, Kirsten is expected to bring stability, international expertise, and tactical guidance to the national side.