Kathmandu - Pokhara Avengers have appointed former Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis as their head coach for Nepal Premier League Season 3.
The franchise announced Mendis' appointment through social media, calling him the "master of mystery" and highlighting his carrom ball, international experience and World T20-winning background with Sri Lanka.
Mendis, 41, was one of cricket's most influential mystery spinners during the late 2000s. He played 19 Tests, 87 ODIs and 39 T20Is for Sri Lanka, taking 288 international wickets across formats. His international career began in 2008, and he quickly became one of the most difficult bowlers in world cricket to read.
His breakthrough came at the 2008 Asia Cup, where he dismantled India in the final with figures of 6/13 and helped Sri Lanka win the title. He also took 26 wickets in his first Test series, against India, which remains one of the most remarkable starts by a spinner in Test cricket.
In limited-overs cricket, Mendis became the fastest bowler to 50 ODI wickets, reaching the mark in just 19 matches. In T20Is, he produced two six-wicket hauls, including 6/8 against Zimbabwe in 2012, which remains one of the best bowling figures in men's T20I history. He was also part of Sri Lanka’s squad when they won the ICC World T20 in 2014.
After retirement, Mendis moved into coaching and player development. His most noted coaching work has come with the Sri Lanka Army Cricket Team, where he worked with young spinners including Maheesh Theekshana. Theekshana publicly credited Mendis for his technical guidance and support during his rise to international cricket.
For Pokhara, Mendis' arrival is a major coaching statement. The Avengers have not reached the playoffs in the first two NPL seasons, finishing seventh in 2024 and fifth in 2025. They have retained marquee player Kushal Bhurtel along with Sagar Dhakal, Arjun Kumal, Bipin Khatri, Aakash Chand, Kiran Thagunna and Dinesh Kharel for Season 3.
Mendis' biggest impact could come in bowling strategy. Pokhara already have left-arm spinner Sagar Dhakal, medium pace options in Aakash Chand and Bipin Khatri, and young domestic players who can benefit from a coach known for variations, control and tactical deception.
His T20 experience also gives Pokhara a specialist voice in middle-over planning. Mendis played franchise cricket for teams including Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune Warriors, Sydney Thunder, Dhaka Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars, giving him exposure to different T20 environments.
