Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a sweeping revamp of its High Performance Centre coaching framework, aiming to strengthen player development after the national team’s disappointing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.

The restructuring follows recommendations from the Executive Committee and marks a significant shift in the way coaching resources are deployed. Just days after Sanath Jayasuriya stepped down as Head Coach, former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was appointed on a two-year contract beginning mid-April. Kirsten is expected to bring in his own specialists in spin, fast bowling, and fielding, leading to several reassignments within the HPC and domestic structures.

Julian Wood, hired last October as a power-hitting specialist, now serves as HPC Power Hitting Coach across all squads, including women’s cricket. Rene Ferdinands, a biomechanics expert and former national spin bowling coach, has transitioned to HPC Spin Bowling Coach with a focus on scientific aspects of bowling. Meanwhile, Jehan Mubarak, Thilina Kandamby, and Ravindra Pushpakumara have been moved into the domestic coaching structure of the National Super League, Major Clubs, and Division I schools. One of the most debated decisions is the reassignment of Avishka Gunawardena from Sri Lanka ‘A’ Head Coach to the U-19 team. Gunawardena, known for discipline and modern techniques, had overseen consistent performances with the ‘A’ team. His replacement, Ashan Priyanjan, is a recently retired cricketer with limited coaching experience, raising questions about the rationale behind the appointment.

The new framework places Gary Kirsten at the helm of the national team, with support staff to be appointed. Ashan Priyanjan takes charge of the ‘A’ team as Head Coach and Batting Coach, assisted by Chamara Silva, Anusha Samaranayake, Rumesh Ratnayake, Sachith Pathirana, Manoj Abeywickrama, and Upul Chandana. The Emerging Team will have coaches appointed on assignment basis, with Saman Jayantha, Dammika Sudarshana, Darshana Gamage, and Piyal Wijetunga handling batting, fast bowling, and spin, while fielding is managed by HPC pool coaches.

The U-19 team is now led by Avishka Gunawardena, supported by Omesh Wijesiriwardena and Dilruwn Perera, with fielding again overseen by HPC specialists. Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands continue as HPC Power Hitting and Spin Bowling Coaches respectively, while Mubarak, Kandamby, and Pushpakumara contribute to domestic structures.

On the women’s side, Jamie Siddons remains Head Coach of the national team, assisted by Sumithra Warnakulasuriya, Dumida Perera, Chamila Gamage, Sajeewa Weerakoon, and Kaman Mapatuna. The Women’s ‘A’ team is led by Sampath Perera, with Gayan Wijekoon, Vimukthi Deshapriya, and Sajeewa Weerakoon in supporting roles. The Women’s U-19 team is headed by Mahesh Weerasinghe, with Ruvin Peiris, Chamila Gamage, Sajeewa Weerakoon, and Anton Costa completing the staff. This comprehensive restructuring signals SLC’s intent to build a stronger pipeline of talent, blending international expertise with domestic development, as the country looks ahead to future international competitions.

Hyderabad Kingsmen, one of the two debutant franchises in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, are exploring options to fill the void left by South African pacer Ottniel Baartman. The 11th edition of the PSL is set to run from March 26 to May 3.

According to sources, the Kingsmen have approached Sri Lankan mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana to join their squad. His availability, however, hinges on securing a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Baartman, who was picked during the historic inaugural PSL auction at Lahore’s Expo Centre on February 11 for PKR 1.1 crore, has withdrawn from the tournament. Neither the player nor the franchise has disclosed the reason for his absence.

Theekshana, meanwhile, offers proven pedigree in the shortest format. The 23-year-old has already represented Sri Lanka in 83 T20Is, bagging 82 wickets at an economy rate of 7.08. His franchise résumé is equally impressive, with stints in the IPL, SA20, ILT20, CPL, and LPL, making him a sought-after asset in global T20 leagues.

The PSL’s landmark 11th edition will feature eight teams, including new entrants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi, battling across 44 matches in 39 days. In a significant shift, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has streamlined the tournament logistics, announcing that all fixtures will be staged in Karachi and Lahore behind closed doors.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the revised plans after consultations with franchise owners and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Patron-in-Chief of the league. Initially, six cities—Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—were under consideration as hosts, but the board opted for consolidation to ensure smooth operations.
With Baartman’s exit and Theekshana’s potential arrival, Hyderabad Kingsmen’s debut campaign promises intrigue, as the franchise looks to make its mark in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.

Rajasthan Royals have confirmed Sri Lankan T20I skipper Dasun Shanaka as the replacement for England’s Sam Curran, who has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL season due to injury.

“We are disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s calibre so close to the start of the season,” said Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket and Head Coach of the Royals. “Sam brings immense value with both bat and ball. However, we are pleased to have found an ideal replacement in Dasun Shanaka, a proven finisher and quality all-rounder who maintains the balance of our side.”

Shanaka, 34, is a seasoned campaigner in the shortest format. Since his debut in 2015, he has featured in 131 T20Is for Sri Lanka, amassing 1,912 runs at a strike rate of 128.40. His highest score, an unbeaten 76 against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup earlier this year, underlined his ability to deliver under pressure. With the ball, the right-arm medium pacer has claimed 46 wickets, boasting best figures of 3/16.

The Sri Lankan captain also brings prior IPL experience, having represented Gujarat Titans in 2023. His inclusion is expected to bolster Rajasthan’s lower-middle order and provide valuable depth in both departments.

Rajasthan Royals will kick off their campaign against Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30.