MI Icon Lasith Malinga Appointed Sri Lanka Fast Bowling Consultant Ahead of T20 World Cup
Mumbai Indians bowling coach and IPL legend **Lasith Malinga** has taken on a new role as the interim fast bowling consultant for the Sri Lanka national men’s team. The appointment, effective from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026, is aimed at leveraging Malinga’s vast experience ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka will co-host.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) emphasized that Malinga's short-term role will be crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of the country’s fast bowlers, particularly focusing on the nuances of death bowling in the shortest format. Malinga, an IPL icon who claimed 170 wickets in 122 matches for the Mumbai Indians, brings a wealth of knowledge from his successful international career, which included leading Sri Lanka to the 2014 T20 World Cup title.
This move underscores the global influence of IPL coaching staff and the value of Malinga's expertise in home conditions, where the T20 World Cup will kick off in Colombo. The Sri Lankan team is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series against Pakistan in January, providing an immediate opportunity for Malinga to work with the pace battery.
“In an official statement, Sri Lanka Cricket stated the reason behind the decision, stating that Malinga’s role will be instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of the country’s fast bowlers, especially in the shortest format of the game.”
Sri Lanka Cricket official statement
What Do Fans Think?
See what cricket fans are saying about this in our Facebook community.
More About Mumbai Indians
Hardik Pandya Confirms Two Vijay Hazare Trophy Appearances in Strategic T20 World Cup Build-Up
Yes, it's confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. He's not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.
All-Rounder
Mumbai Indians Stars Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma Seek Blessings at Tirumala Temple
India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and his wife Devisha Shetty visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala on Vaikuntha Ekadashi. The couple participated in sacred rituals, including passing through the Vaikuntha Dwaram, and received blessings from temple priests.
Batter
Hardik Pandya Confirms Return to Competitive Cricket Ahead of T20 World Cup
Yes, it's confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. He's not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.
All-Rounder
“In an official statement, Sri Lanka Cricket stated the reason behind the decision, stating that Malinga’s role will be instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of the country’s fast bowlers, especially in the shortest format of the game.”
Sri Lanka Cricket official statement