In a bold step towards redefining Malaysia’s presence in international cricket, the Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) today (June 03) unveiled a comprehensive high-performance roadmap for 2025–2026.
Designed to elevate the national team’s competitiveness, the initiative introduces a refreshed coaching structure, an enhanced player development pathway, and defined performance benchmarks aimed at securing Malaysia’s rise on the global stage.
As part of this strategic shift, Dav Whatmore has been appointed as the Director of Cricket, the MCA announces.
“Dav Whatmore is a highly accomplished and successful gentleman that has played many roles in various full members. Whilst as Head Coach, Sri Lanka won the ICC World Cup in 1996 and has since produced many positive results. It is expected that the appointment will result in Malaysia building a total cricket structure that will connect the dots from lateral development to being a high performing country. Dav Whatmore would also play a leading role in building the women’s team as its moves ahead,” the MCA statement notes.
In addition, Bilal Asad has been appointed Head Coach of the National Men’s Team while Rakesh Madhavan has been appointed as Head Coach of the Men’s Emerging Team.
President of the MCA – Mahinda Vallipuram says : “Malaysia has earned a strong reputation globally for consistently delivering world-class events. Now, it is time for our national teams to match that excellence with on-field performance. This structure represents our determination to transform Malaysia into a competitive force in international cricket. We are no longer content with participation—we aim to qualify, to win, and to lead.”
Angelo Mathews ended his final Test innings today (June 21) after being dismissed during the Test match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Galle International Stadium.
Mathews was dismissed after scoring just 8 runs off 45 balls after being caught by Mominul Haque. The match also ended as a draw.
Mathews retires from the longest format of the game as he made 8,214 runs from 119 Tests at an average of 44.4, with 16 centuries and 49 half-centuries to his name.
In 2013, Angelo Mathews was handed the leadership of the Test side for the first time in his career. He also became historic as the youngest Sri Lanka player to become Test captain.
England will host the 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June-July next year.
The full fixture list of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is out now, with hosts England featuring in the opening clash against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on 12 June.
This edition marks the biggest ICC Women’s T20 World Cup yet, with 12 teams – more than ever before – vying for the coveted trophy.
Alongside the fixtures, the groups for the league stage were also revealed.
Group 1 features multiple-time champions Australia, 2024 finalists South Africa, Asian heavyweights India and Pakistan, along with two teams from the Global Qualifier.
Group 2 includes hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, former winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, set for 30 June and 2 July at The Oval, with the grand finale taking place at Lord’s on 5 July.
The tournament spans 24 days, featuring 33 matches across seven iconic venues – Edgbaston, Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lord’s.
“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,” England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said.
“It’s going to be a huge moment for our sport and a brilliant opportunity to inspire young people and captivate fans across the country. Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“The tournament will not only give fans across the nation a chance to see world-famous cricketers in action but will also affect lasting change by inspiring countless women and girls across the country to get involved with cricket.”
Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild said the tournament would contribute to lasting change.
“The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to transform a month of sporting excellence into a movement that will rewrite the narrative about women’s cricket,” she said.
“At iconic venues across the country, we’ll see incredible, world-class athletes battling it out in out in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, who with every ball bowled and run scored, will be contributing to lasting change. It’s our opportunity to give women’s cricket, and women’s sport, the stage it deserves.”