New Delhi, February 21. Afghanistan’s cricket journey in the 2026 T20 World Cup has ended without qualifying for the Super 8 stage. With this exit, the four-year tenure of head coach Jonathan Trott has also concluded. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is now on a mission to appoint a successor.
The ACB has set a key condition for the new head coach and support staff: they must base themselves in Afghanistan during the off-season. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan emphasized the need for close monitoring of domestic players and focused work on national team weaknesses when no international series are scheduled.
“Their workplace will be Afghanistan,” Khan stated. “We want the coach to keep a close eye on our domestic cricketers and address the national team’s shortcomings during downtime.”
The search for Trott’s replacement is underway, with the new coach to be finalized before the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Two candidates from South Africa and one Asian are shortlisted, and interviews have been completed. While names remain undisclosed, Khan promised a new era for Afghan cricket.
Trotta joined in 2022, transforming Afghanistan into a formidable side. Highlights include ODI World Cup 2023 upsets against Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka, and T20 World Cup 2024 victories over Australia and New Zealand, reaching the semi-finals. His contributions across formats will be remembered fondly.