The Sri Lanka Cricket is likely to revise the contract with their legend Lasith Malinga ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. According to the existing contract, Malinga’s tenure with the Sri Lankan national cricket team as a support is from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026.
The board formed a short-term contract with him as a part of their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will start on February 7.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026: The contract with Lasith Malinga is expected to increase further
According to media reports, the Sri Lanka cricket board and head coach Sanath Jayasuriya have reportedly requested the former fast bowler to extend his contract with the national team so he can be part of the support staff for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Malinga remains as one of the most active former cricketers who has been assisting the nation’s talent for a long time.
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Even before joining the national team’s coaching setup, Malinga developed close relationships with the cricketers, who are now active in the international circuit. It is expected to see the fast bowling legend in the dugout during their run in the ICC T20 World Cup.
The presence of Lasith Malinga can prove very helpful for the team, as the former cricketer is considered among the all-time greats across the planet. With all the experiences Malinga gathered from his international and franchise Twenty20 league stints, Malinga, 42, can be useful for mentoring bowlers during the high-pressure matches in the World Cup, that too in front of their home crowd.
Sri Lanka got a win over a strong England side
The Sri Lanka cricket team has a strong chance to qualify for the next round, as they are sharing Group B with Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. Against Oman, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, the hosts will definitely try to maintain an upper hand. But the match against Australia will test their mettle to an extent. Sri Lanka will start their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 8.
Last night, Sri Lanka pulled out a great victory by defeating England at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The home team won the ODI match by 19 runs with Dunith Wellalage (2/41 & 25*) as the Man of the Match. The 3-match ODI series, followed by a 3-match T20I with England will be the last contest for them before the World Cup.
Important information related to Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign
Sri Lanka cricket team’s fixture in ICC T20 World Cup 2026:
1. Sri Lanka vs Ireland, February 8, Colombo,
2. Sri Lanka vs Oman, February 12, Balagolla
3. Sri Lanka vs Australia, February 16, Balagolla
4. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, February 19, Colombo
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