Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially appointed Lasith Malinga as the Consultant Fast Bowling Coach for the national men's team. The appointment, announced on December 30, 2025, is effective from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026, spanning a period of one month. This move is strategically timed to bolster the team's preparations for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka will co-host with India.

SLC aims to capitalize on Malinga's extensive international experience and expertise, particularly his renowned skills in death bowling within the T20 format. Malinga will be responsible for supporting the preparation and development of Sri Lanka's national fast bowlers.

The T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to commence on February 7, 2026, with the opening match to be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. Sri Lanka finds itself in Group B, alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. Their campaign will begin on February 8 against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Prior to the World Cup, Sri Lanka is slated to play a three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting on January 7. All three matches are scheduled to take place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11. Pakistan has already announced their squad for the series.

Lasith Malinga is considered one of the best T20 players. Representing Sri Lanka in 84 T20Is, he has taken 107 wickets, with his best figures being 5/6. He was also a key member of the T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2014, where Sri Lanka defeated India. Malinga has played 122 IPL matches for the Mumbai Indians, securing 170 wickets and is currently the bowling coach of the team.