Singapore have turned to former Australian cricketer and ex-Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson as their national coach on a temporary basis, aiming for a quick boost ahead of the coming Cricket World Cup Challenge League.

Lawson, 66, has been contracted until the end of next month’s tournament, a crucial World Cup qualifying event.

The Challenge League, featuring 12 teams divided into two groups, serves as the first step in the qualification process for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Singapore will face off against Bahrain, Hong Kong, Italy, Tanzania and hosts Uganda in Challenge League B. The top two teams from each group advance to the World Cup qualifier play-off.

“We are thrilled to get someone of Lawson’s qualities and stature,” Mahmood Gaznavi, the Singapore Cricket Association president, told local media. “The last time we had an Australian big name was Trevor Chappell, and he did wonders for us.”

Lawson said he was introduced to the SCA by Chappell, who coached Singapore from 2009 to 2012.