Jonathan Trott will step down as Afghanistan's head coach after the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled between February 7 and March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced this decision as part of long-term strategic planning. Trott, who joined in July 2022, transformed Afghanistan into a competitive white-ball side. His tenure saw historic achievements including Afghanistan's first ICC knockout stage appearance at the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-finals. The team also recorded memorable victories over cricketing giants and secured a Champions Trophy berth. Batting coach Andrew Puttick will also depart after his contract ends on December 31. Under Trott's leadership, Afghanistan won 20 of 43 ODIs and 29 of 61 T20Is. The board will begin searching for a new head coach following the World Cup. Trott has already secured his next role with Gulf Giants in the ILT20 season starting December 2.
Trott's Successful Tenure and Historic Achievements
Since taking charge in July 2022, Trott guided Afghanistan through remarkable transformations. The team reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, defeating New Zealand and Australia during group stages. At the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan stunned England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, nearly upsetting eventual champions Australia. The board emphasized coaching transitions as natural in global cricket, stating no team stays under one coach forever. Trott's record includes 20 ODI victories from 43 matches and 29 T20I wins from 61 games. Afghanistan also achieved series victories over South Africa and Bangladesh in Sharjah, alongside recent clean sweeps against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, marking this period as highly successful.
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