The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed that head coach Jonathan Trott will step down from his role following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.
In a statement, the board said the move is part of its long-term strategic planning for the next phase of the national team’s development.
“Coaching transitions are a natural part of cricket’s evolution,” the ACB noted. “No team remains under a single coach forever. This change marks a new chapter as Afghanistan continues its journey toward sustained excellence.”
Trott, who took charge in July 2022, played a central role in transforming Afghanistan into one of the most competitive white-ball sides in world cricket. His tenure has been marked by consistency, resilience, and landmark achievements.
Under his guidance, Afghanistan reached their first-ever semi-final at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean, defeating powerhouses New Zealand and Australia along the way.
At the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, the team claimed memorable wins over England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, narrowly missing a semi-final berth after a close defeat to eventual champions Australia.
Afghanistan also recorded ODI series victories against South Africa and Bangladesh in Sharjah, while qualifying for their first-ever Champions Trophy in 2025. More recently, they completed clean sweeps over Bangladesh (3-0 ODIs) and Zimbabwe (3-0 T20Is).
During Trott’s time in charge, Afghanistan won 20 of 43 ODIs and 29 of 61 T20Is — a record that reflects the team’s steady progress at the highest level.
“It’s been a privilege to work with the Afghanistan national team and to witness their passion and hunger to achieve greatness,” Trott said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and will always remain a supporter of Afghan cricket.”
Trott’s next assignment will be with the Gulf Giants in the ILT20, beginning December 2, after having previously coached the Pretoria Capitals in the 2024–25 SA20.
The ACB has confirmed that the process to appoint a new head coach will begin after the T20 World Cup 2026. Earlier this year, former pacer Hamid Hassan and ex-captain Nawroz Mangal served as interim head and assistant coaches during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe.
