Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed former Australian cricketer Jamie Siddons as the Head Coach of the Sri Lanka National Women’s Team.

Siddons has served as the head coach of the Bangladesh National Men’s Team from 2007 to
2011, marking his highest level of international coaching experience.

A Level 3 qualified coach, Siddons has also served as Head Coach of the South Australia
Cricket Team (Redbacks) from 2015 to 2020 and Head Coach of the Wellington Firebirds,
New Zealand, from 2011 to 2015.

His one-year appointment will come into effect on 16 March 2026. Siddons, who enjoyed an extensive first-class cricket career in Australia and captained both South Australia and Victoria, will take on the responsibility of guiding Sri Lanka’s women’s team in preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in June in England.

His first assignment will be Sri Lanka Women’s Tour of Bangladesh, scheduled to take place in April–May 2026.

Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has revealed that discussions are currently underway with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding possible reforms to the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). A final decision is expected within the coming week, as the government seeks to avoid the risk of sanctions from the ICC.

Speaking on the matter, Minister Gamage confirmed that options such as appointing an interim committee or a competent authority are being considered. He noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka is directly involved in the talks, underscoring the government’s determination to restore credibility and raise cricketing standards in the country.

The announcement follows comments made by Minister Nalinda Jayathissa, who stated that the government will soon take decisive action on the legal and administrative framework of SLC.

Sri Lanka Cricket has faced mounting criticism after the men’s national team failed to qualify for the semi‑finals of the recently concluded T20 World Cup, co‑hosted by Sri Lanka and India. The disappointment adds to a troubling record: the team has now gone 12 years without reaching the semi‑finals of any ICC tournament, a stark contrast to its former reputation as a consistent global contender.

South Africa’s long wait for an ICC trophy continued as they suffered another heartbreaking exit, this time at the hands of New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbai on Wednesday. The Proteas, who had finished runners-up in the last edition, were outplayed by nine wickets in a contest that highlighted both their misfortune and New Zealand’s ruthless efficiency.

Batting first, South Africa managed 169 for 8 in their 20 overs. Captain Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock fell cheaply, leaving the middle order under pressure. Dewald Brevis showed promise with a fluent 34, while Tristan Stubbs added 29. The standout was Marco Jansen, who smashed an unbeaten 55 off just 30 balls, lifting the total to a competitive score. Yet, frequent wickets at crucial stages meant South Africa never truly seized momentum.

New Zealand’s reply was nothing short of brutal. Finn Allen launched a stunning assault, hammering 100 off just 33 balls, including 10 fours and 8 sixes. Tim Seifert’s 58 ensured the chase was never in doubt, and the Black Caps cruised home in just 12.5 overs. South Africa’s bowlers, including Jansen and Bosch, were taken apart, with economy rates soaring above 11.