Afghanistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 exit without reaching Super-8 has marked the end of Jonathan Trott’s successful four-year stint as head coach. As the team shifts focus, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has kicked off the process to appoint a new leader, targeting completion before the upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka.
A standout stipulation in the job posting requires the new coach and staff to work from Afghanistan during off-seasons. This hands-on approach is designed to nurture domestic talent and iron out national team flaws.
‘Their base must be in Afghanistan,’ explained ACB chief Naseeb Khan. ‘This ensures close oversight of domestic cricket and dedicated off-season work on team shortcomings when no internationals are lined up.’
Interviews are done with shortlisted contenders: two South Africans and one Asian hopeful. The final pick will herald a revitalized chapter for Afghan cricket, according to Khan, who kept specifics under wraps.
Trotta’s legacy is undeniable. Starting in 2022, he engineered upsets against giants—beating Pakistan and England in ODI World Cup 2023, and Australia with New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2024, reaching semis. His holistic impact across all formats solidified Afghanistan’s rise as a global contender, leaving an indelible mark despite the recent setback.