\n<\/p>\n
Sri Lanka have named former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten as their new head coach. <\/b><\/p>\n
Kirsten will take charge on 15 April after signing a two-year deal which will see him manage the country at next year’s 50-over World Cup to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.<\/p>\n
The 58-year-old coached India to the World Cup title in 2011 while also helping South Africa become the top-ranked side in all formats of the game in 2013. <\/p>\n
His most recent coaching job was with the Pakistan limited-overs sides but he resigned from the role<\/a> in October 2024 – only six months into a two-year contract. <\/p>\n Sri Lanka Cricket said Kirsten’s “primary responsibility will be guiding the team in its preparation and campaign for the 2027 World Cup”. <\/p>\n Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for South Africa between 1993 and 2004, scoring 14,087 runs and hitting 21 Test and 13 ODI centuries. <\/p>\n Sanath Jayasuriya had announced he was stepping down as Sri Lanka head coach after the team’s exit from the T20 World Cup,<\/a> where Kirsten had worked as a consultant for Namibia. <\/p>\n Sri Lanka, who will face Afghanistan in three T20Is this month, are also scheduled to play three T20Is and three ODIs in England<\/a> in September.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n