Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Tuesday (December 30) roped in Lasith Malinga as consultant pace-bowling coach for the national men's team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Malinga’s appointment has been made on a “short-term basis” for a period of one month, effective from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026.

“Malinga will support the preparation and development of Sri Lanka’s national fast bowlers as part of the build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malinga’s vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup,” SLC said in an official statement on Tuesday evening.

Malinga is widely deemed as one of the finest T20 players of all time. He represented Sri Lanka in 84 T20Is, claiming 107 wickets with the best figures of 5/6 to his name. He also played a key role in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2014.

Speaking of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka are slotted in Group B alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. The side, coached by Sanath Jayasuriya, will begin their campaign on February 8 against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will lock horns with Pakistan in a three-match T20I series, starting on January 7.