Gary Kirsten Named New Head Coach of Sri Lanka Cricket

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the new head coach, effective April 15. Kirsten, a former South African cricketer, has signed a two-year contract that will see him manage the team through the 2027 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host with South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The 58-year-old coach previously led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup and helped South Africa become the top-ranked side in Test cricket in 2013. His most recent coaching role was with the Pakistan limited-overs team, which he held until October 2024.

Kirsten's primary responsibility will be to guide the Sri Lankan team in their preparations for the upcoming World Cup. He has an extensive playing background, having participated in 101 Test matches and 185 One Day Internationals (ODIs) from 1993 to 2004, scoring 14,087 runs with 21 Test and 13 ODI centuries.

Sanath Jayasuriya has stepped down from his position as head coach.