Sri Lanka have named former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten as their new head coach.

Kirsten will take charge on 15 April after signing a two-year deal which will see him manage the country at next year’s 50-over World Cup to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The 58-year-old coached India to the World Cup title in 2011 while also helping South Africa become the top-ranked side in all formats of the game in 2013.

His most recent coaching job was with the Pakistan limited-overs sides but he resigned from the role in October 2024 – only six months into a two-year contract.

Sri Lanka Cricket said Kirsten’s “primary responsibility will be guiding the team in its preparation and campaign for the 2027 World Cup”.

Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for South Africa between 1993 and 2004, scoring 14,087 runs and hitting 21 Test and 13 ODI centuries.

Sanath Jayasuriya had announced he was stepping down as Sri Lanka head coach after the team’s exit from the T20 World Cup, where Kirsten had worked as a consultant for Namibia.

Sri Lanka, who will face Afghanistan in three T20Is this month, are also scheduled to play three T20Is and three ODIs in England in September.