In a bold move post their T20 World Cup 2026 disappointment, Afghanistan Cricket Board has unveiled Richard Pybus as the new head coach, replacing the departed Jonathan Trott. Pybus will take charge before the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, kicking off on March 13.
Trotta’s legacy is etched in Afghan cricket history: victories over top teams in the 2023 ODI World Cup and a T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final berth elevated the side to new heights. Pybus, stepping into this spotlight, isn’t a novice. The 61-year-old Englishman, born in Newcastle upon Tyne, transitioned from a brief playing stint—one first-class game for Suffolk yielding 4 runs—to coaching stardom.
His highlights include leading West Indies from 2013-2019, where he oversaw a golden era with World Cup triumphs across three formats in 2016. Earlier, as Pakistan’s coach, he masterminded their run to the 1999 World Cup final, and he also coached Bangladesh in 2013. Pybus boasts elite credentials: Level 4 CSA certification, Neuroleadership executive coaching, performance coaching, and NLP mastery.
Afghanistan’s young guns have shown promise, but silverware has eluded them. Will Pybus, with his proven track record in nurturing winners, hand them that elusive Asia Cup or World Cup? The upcoming series will offer early clues. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide will watch closely as Pybus instills discipline and strategy into this dynamic outfit.