Jonathan Trott to step down as Afghanistan coach after the 2026 T20 World Cup having won 20 out of 43 ODIs and 29 out of 61 T20Is.
Jonathan Trott to step down as Afghanistan head coach after 2026 T20 World Cup.
“ACB recognises that coaching transitions are a natural part of the global cricketing ecosystem. Just as teams evolve, so do their leadership and strategic needs,” the board said in a statement. “No international side remains under a single coach forever, and this change marks a new chapter for Afghanistan as the board continues building toward long-term excellence. This decision comes as part of ACB’s long term strategic planning for the next phase of the national team’s growth.”
Additionally, Afghanistan has made the decision to let go of batting coach Andrew Puttick, whose contract expires on December 31. Having previously served as Pakistan’s batting coach, he assumed the position in January of this year.
Afghanistan has become a strong white-ball squad since Trott took over as head coach in July 2022. He was granted a 12-month extension in 2024 and another through 2025, but his original term was just for 18 months.
Trott’s final duty with Afghanistan will be the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8.
“It has been a privilege to work with the Afghanistan National Team and to witness their passion, resilience, and hunger to achieve greatness,” Trott said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I will always remain a supporter of Afghan cricket. I wish the team and the Afghan people continued success in the years ahead.”
After defeating Australia and New Zealand in the group and Super Eight stages, Afghanistan advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean for the first time. Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka, England, and Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup and nearly defeated Australia, the ultimate winners.
Afghanistan also scored ODI series victory against South Africa and Bangladesh in Sharjah during Trott’s term. After being among the top eight teams in the 2023 ODI World Cup points table, they made their first participation at the 2025 Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Trott has already secured a position as head coach of the Gulf Giants, an ILT20 team, for the forthcoming season. The event is slated to begin on December 2. He was the head coach of Pretoria Capitals for the 2024-25 SA20 but was replaced by Sourav Ganguly after one season.
The ACB declared that following the T20 World Cup, a new head coach will be appointed. During Afghanistan’s multi-format tour in Zimbabwe earlier this year, veteran fast bowler Hamid Hassan served as head coach in Trott’s absence, with former captain Nawroz Mangal serving as assistant coach.