Lasith Malinga to continue work with Sri Lanka bowlers ahead of T20 World Cup

Malinga's stint as a consultant will officially be for 40 days, from 15 December until 25 January, but is a continuation of the work he had done previously.

The former paceman has been an adviser under head coach Sanath Jayasuriya for the last two years while putting in work with bowlers in an unofficial capacity.

"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," a statement by the board said.

The 42-year-old Malinga boasts 107 wickets in 84 T20I matches while he is known as one of the best death bowlers to have ever played the game.

He was captain when Sri Lanka lifted the 2014 T20 World Cup trophy, bowling an iconic spell against India in the final.

Malinga has remained in the game as a coach or mentor since his retirement, working with Mumbai Indians in the IPL, MI Cape Town (SA20) and MI New York (ILT20).

The 2026 T20 World Cup is set to kick off on 7 February with Sri Lanka co-hosting the global tournament with India.

Sri Lanka have been grouped alongside Australia, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman, and will start their campaign against the Irish in Colombo on 8 February.

READ MORE: Former Australia international Damien Martyn in an induced coma with meningitis