Former Sri Lankan Test captain Suranga Lakmal is set to help shape the future of cricket in the Moreton Bay region after being appointed Head Technical Director and Coach at Caboolture Sports Cricket Club ahead of the upcoming season.
The appointment is a significant one for the regional Queensland club, with Lakmal bringing more than a decade of international experience to Caboolture. The former fast bowler represented Sri Lanka across all formats, captained the national Test side and claimed more than 168 wickets in 68 Test matches during his international career.
Lakmal will be joined by Assistant Technical Director and Coach John “Flewy” Flew, a long-serving club figure and premiership-winning First Grade captain whose deep ties to Caboolture cricket are expected to complement Lakmal’s international experience.
International experience arrives in Moreton Bay
Lakmal is widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable fast bowlers of the modern era. Throughout his career, he faced many of the world’s strongest cricket nations and earned leadership responsibilities within the national team, including captaining Sri Lanka in Test cricket.
His experience stretches across tours and series against Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa, giving him first-hand knowledge of the standards required at the highest level of the sport.
After retiring from international cricket in 2022, Lakmal remained involved in the game through coaching and player development roles. His move to Caboolture brings that experience directly into a community cricket environment, providing local players with access to insights gained from years of international competition.
Local knowledge balances international pedigree
While Lakmal brings international credentials, Caboolture has paired him with one of its most respected local figures.
John “Flewy” Flew is a familiar name throughout the club, having played a major role in Caboolture cricket over many years. As a former First Grade premiership-winning captain, he understands the club’s culture, its players and the challenges facing community cricket.
Caboolture Sports Cricket Club said Flew’s deep connection to the organisation would complement Lakmal’s international background, creating a coaching partnership that combines elite-level experience with strong local knowledge.
Focus shifts beyond First Grade success
While Lakmal’s playing record naturally draws attention, the club says the appointment is about more than improving top-level results.
Caboolture Sports Cricket Club has outlined a strong focus on junior development and strengthening pathways for players progressing through the lower grades.
The club said the new coaching structure is intended to support cricketers at every stage of their development, from juniors learning the fundamentals of the game through to players competing in First Grade.
Building for the future
For players coming through the Caboolture system, opportunities to learn from a former international captain are likely to be rare.
Lakmal’s appointment gives aspiring cricketers exposure to someone who competed against the world’s best players and experienced the demands of international cricket over more than a decade.
At the same time, Flew’s continued involvement ensures the club remains connected to the values and traditions that have shaped Caboolture cricket for generations.
Published 19-June-2026
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