Former Sri Lanka Test opener Kaushal Silva is ready for a new kind of innings — this time from the dugout. The 39-year-old has been appointed Head Coach of the Hong Kong national cricket team on a three-year contract, stepping into the role with the Asia Cup in September as his first major challenge.
Drawn in a formidable group alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Hong Kong face an uphill battle in the eight-nation tournament set to be staged in the UAE. But Silva is not daunted.
The Asia Cup is our next big hurdle. It’s a fresh start. This squad has potential — mostly players of Asian origin, a few from England and Australia. It’s about building the right mindset now.
From Gritty Opener to Global Coach
Silva, renowned for his mental toughness and technical discipline at the top of the order during his 39-Test career for Sri Lanka, has been steadily carving out a space in coaching circles since retiring in 2019.
Now based in Melbourne, he runs his own cricket academy and is also a key figure in the Cricket Victoria coaching setup. His coaching journey has also taken him to England and back to Sri Lanka, giving him a broad and multicultural foundation.
I believe in fearless cricket. Let players express themselves, back their natural instincts. But at the same time, you have to understand the individual — no one-size-fits-all approach works.
Bigger Dreams: ODI Status and Beyond
While the Asia Cup presents an immediate test, Silva’s ambitions for Hong Kong stretch further. At the heart of his plan is a return to ODI status, which Hong Kong lost in 2018.
“That was a bitter pill to swallow,” he admitted. “Getting that status back means more than just ICC funding — it sets the tone for long-term development and real opportunities at the top level.”
To that end, Hong Kong will feature in a series of World Cup qualifying matches for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in Africa, a mission Silva views as pivotal in the nation’s cricketing resurgence.
Ready to Punch Above Their Weight
For Silva, Associate teams like Hong Kong should not be underestimated — especially in the shortest format of the game.
In T20s, all it takes is one good spell or a few big hits to change the game. We’re not just turning up at the Asia Cup to fill the numbers — we’re here to compete.
A Fresh Chapter, Fueled by Belief
Silva’s appointment brings not just experience, but a player-first philosophy and a roadmap rooted in resilience and smart cricket. With an evolving squad, bold ambitions, and a leader who’s no stranger to tough battles, Hong Kong cricket might just be ready for its turning point.
