The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced Monday that Jonathan Trott, the head coach of the national men’s team, will step down following the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, bringing an end to a pivotal era in the country’s cricketing rise.
Trott, a former England international, has led the Afghan side since 2022, overseeing what the ACB described as a period of “development and rising international competitiveness.” Under his leadership, Afghanistan recorded several historic victories against top-ranked nations and reached milestones that significantly enhanced the country’s reputation in global cricket.
The 2026 T20 World Cup, set for February, will mark Trott’s final assignment with the team.
“This decision comes as part of ACB’s long-term strategic planning for the next phase of the national team’s growth,” the board said in a statement, emphasizing that coaching transitions are a routine part of cricket’s global ecosystem.
A transformational tenure
During his tenure, Trott helped shape a side that grew in both skill and confidence, regularly challenging established cricketing powers in major tournaments. Though the ACB did not name specific matches, Trott was at the helm during notable performances in the 2022 Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Afghanistan stunned multiple higher-ranked teams.
In a statement, ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf thanked Trott for his service. “His efforts have supported a crucial period in the development of Afghanistan cricket,” he said, adding that Trott brought “dedicated service and professionalism” to the national setup.
ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan echoed that sentiment, calling Trott’s contribution “an important part of our journey.” He added that the coaching transition is part of a broader vision to elevate Afghan cricket in the years ahead.
Trott also issued a farewell statement, expressing pride in the team’s progress. “It has been a privilege to work with the Afghanistan National Team and to witness their passion, resilience, and hunger to achieve greatness,” he said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I will always remain a supporter of Afghan cricket.”
The ACB said the process for appointing a new head coach would begin after the 2026 T20 World Cup. No candidates or shortlists have yet been named.
