Former South African superstar Gary Kirsten takes over as the new head coach of the Sri Lanka national cricket team. Sri Lanka Cricket officially announced the appointment for a two-year term effective April 15, 2026.

Sri Lanka Cricket said Kirsten's "primary responsibility will be guiding the team in its preparation and campaign for the 2027 World Cup”

The veteran coach previously guided India to a World Cup victory in 2011 during his tenure from 2008 to 2011. He also served as South Africa's head coach from 2011 to 2013, leading them to the world number one ranking across all formats. More recently, he acted as a consultant for the Namibian team during the 2026 T20 World Cup.

During his international playing career from 1993 to 2004, Gary Kirsten amassed 14,087 runs in Test and ODI formats. His record includes 21 Test centuries and 13 ODI centuries.

The two-year deal will see him manage the Sri Lankan team at next year's 50-over World Cup to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.