Ex-Sri Lanka fast bowler Dhammika Prasad has been appointed as the fast bowling coach and assistant coach of the United States men’s national cricket team ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India from 7 February to 8 March 2026.

Prasad, 42, an experienced right-arm fast-medium bowler who represented Sri Lanka in 25 tests, 24 ODIs and a T20 International between 2006 and 2015, brings valuable international expertise to the USA setup.

In total he claimed 75 wickets in red-ball cricket with a career best effort of 5-50 against England in Leeds in 2014 which Sri Lankan won by 100-runs, while in One-Day Internationals he captured 32 wickets with a best return of 3-17 against Scotland in Edinburgh in 2011. 

During his playing career, Prasad was known for his ability to strike early with the new ball and played starring roles in series victories, including Sri Lanka’s historic Test series win in England in 2014.

Since retiring from international cricket in 2021, Prasad has built a coaching resume that includes roles as a bowling coach and consultant in several international settings. 

His new position with USA Cricket will see him work closely with the national team’s fast bowlers, helping to sharpen their skills and tactical awareness ahead of cricket’s global marquee event.

The United States men’s team enters the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with growing confidence. 

After co-hosting the 2024 edition of the tournament with the West Indies, the USA advanced to the Super 8 stage for the first time, including a dramatic Super Over win over Pakistan, and subsequently qualified automatically for the 2026 event.

In the 2026 World Cup, USA were placed in a competitive Group A alongside defending champions India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands. 

Their campaign will begin with a high-profile fixture against title-holders India on 7 February 2026, a match that promises to test the developing American side against one of the game’s powerhouses. 

(Agencies)