Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a decisive step towards rebuilding the national structure by appointing Ryan van Niekerk National Bowling Coach and Jordan Gregory As National Fielding and Spin Bowling Coach. Both have signed two-year contracts, marking the start of a new phase for the team after a difficult period.
The duo will officially begin their roles on April 15, 2026 and will operate from the National Center for High Performance. Their responsibilities will go beyond just the senior men as they will oversee the development of players across all national teams. This broader focus signals SLC’s intent to strengthen its talent pipeline while addressing immediate performance challenges.
These appointments are not isolated decisions, but part of a larger strategy to reshape Sri Lanka’s cricket structure. By investing in specialist coaching roles, the board aims to inject consistency, discipline and modern techniques into the system – areas where the team has struggled in recent years.
Experienced coaching duo appointed to revive Sri Lankan cricket
Ryan van Niekerk has solid international experience, having worked with the Netherlands national team between 2023 and 2026. During his tenure there, he served as both bowling coach and interim head coach, playing a key role in numerous ICC events including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the ICC World Cup and TKK World Cups. 2026.
In Sri Lanka, his main focus will be on improving the country’s fast bowling resources. Sri Lanka, once known for producing world-class pacers, have struggled with consistency in this department in recent years. Van Niekerk’s task will be to develop pace options across formats while ensuring the bowlers are better prepared for international demands.
Alongside him, Jordan Gregory will lead fielding and spin bowling, two areas that have historically been strong for Sri Lanka but have seen a marked decline. Gregory previously worked as an on-field consultant with Netherlands Cricket and has experience in major tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023. His role will include raising fielding standards and sharpening spin bowling skills, particularly at grassroots and development levels.
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New coaches began working under the leadership of Gary Kirsten
These changes come immediately after the appointment Gary Kirsten as the head coach of the men’s national team. Kirsten, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup and later led South Africa to the top of the ICC rankings, brings credibility and experience to the setup. Together, this new coaching staff represents a comprehensive effort to bring stability and direction to Sri Lankan cricket.
The overhaul comes after a disappointing run of results that exposed a number of weaknesses in the team. Sri Lanka’s campaign ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026Their co-hosting ended in disappointment with four consecutive defeats and an early exit. This, coupled with abysmal performances in the 2025 Asia Cup and the tri-series in Pakistan, made it clear that a change was necessary.
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