Kaushal Silva Appointed Hong Kong Head Coach Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Silva, who represented Sri Lanka in 39 Test matches between 2011 and 2018, accumulating three Test centuries at an average of 28.36, brings a solid record of first‑class success with nearly 14,000 runs across 209 matches and 41 hundreds. Since retiring in 2019, he has developed his coaching credentials through stints in Sri Lanka, England, and Australia, most recently with the Superkings Academy in Box Hill, Victoria.
Cricket Hong Kong chair Burji Shroff expressed confidence in Silva’s alignment with the board’s long‑term vision:
“Kaushal’s dedication to nurturing and developing talent resonates with our vision for the future of cricket in Hong Kong.”
He added:
“We believe that under his guidance, we can elevate our competitive standing and promote the sport within our community.”
Silva himself said:
“My focus will be on instilling a strong work ethic and a winning mentality among the senior squad, while working to identify and nurture fresh talent for continued growth.”
He officially takes charge next month once visa formalities are completed.
This appointment arrives during a critical juncture for Hong Kong cricket. The team recently suffered three consecutive defeats against Malaysia in the Asia Pacific Champions Trophy held in Singapore, with all losses occurring within an eight‑day span
South China Morning Post
Those outcomes underscored the need for a strategic overhaul in leadership and direction.
The Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28, will mark Silva’s first major assignment as head coach. Placed in Group B, Hong Kong will face a stern test against Afghanistan (opening match on September 9), Bangladesh (September 11), and Sri Lanka (September 15).
With just a little over a month to prepare, Silva must build on the team’s Asia Pacific Champions Trophy runner‑up finish and create momentum for a strong Asia Cup showing. Advancement to the super‑4 stage will require Hong Kong to finish among the top two in their group, making each fixture crucial.
Silva’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the development of a resilient team culture, with equal focus on senior squad readiness and identifying emerging local talent. His arrival signals a shift toward longer‑term planning and grassroots development, essential for associate nations seeking to bridge the gap with full members.
For Cricket Hong Kong, coaching continuity and performance progress have been elusive in recent years. Silva replaces Simon Willis, stepping in at a pivotal moment to steer the team through Asia’s key regional championship.
As Hong Kong looks ahead, all eyes will be on how quickly Silva can instill structure, professionalism, and belief. A promising Asia Cup campaign could represent a watershed moment—not just for Hong Kong’s results, but for growth in cricket infrastructure and player pathways across the territory.
With Kaushal Silva now at the helm, Hong Kong heads into September with renewed optimism—and a clear mandate: punch above expectations and lay a foundation for sustained competitiveness on the international stage.