Former Sri Lanka Test cricketer Kaushal Silva has been named the new head coach of the Hong Kong men’s cricket team, marking his debut in charge of an international side. The appointment comes just weeks before their Asia Cup 2025 T20I campaign, which begins with their opening match against Afghanistan on September 9 in the UAE.

The 39-year-old played 39 Tests for Sri Lanka between 2011 and 2018. He made his mark in first-class cricket as a leading wicketkeeper-opener, scoring 13,932 runs and 41 centuries. Since he retired in 2019, he has gained coaching experience in Sri Lanka, England, and Australia.

Cricket Hong Kong chairperson Burji Shroff said Silva’s hiring aligns with the board’s plan to grow local talent and make the team more competitive. Silva also expressed his goal to instil a strong work ethic and winning mindset while identifying young talent for long-term development.

Hong Kong recently secured a runner-up finish at the Asia-Pacific Cricket Champions Trophy in Singapore and now faces a challenging Group B in the Asia Cup. The tournament, scheduled from September 9 to 28, will feature eight teams competing in T20I format.

The group line-up is as follows:

Group A:

• India
• Pakistan
• Oman
• UAE

Group B:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Hong Kong
• Sri Lanka

While Hong Kong prepares for a tough Group B campaign, one of the tournament’s key fixtures is the potential for up to three clashes between defending champions India and arch-rivals Pakistan, including a possible final.

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