Following Afghanistan’s final group-stage match in the 2026 T20 World Cup, outgoing coach Jonathan Trott took time to reflect on his tenure with the national side and share his thoughts about future coaching opportunities. Trott’s time at the helm concluded on Thursday after Afghanistan was eliminated from the tournament, despite a commanding 82-run win over Canada in Chennai. Since assuming charge in 2022, Trott has worked closely with the players, playing a pivotal role in their growth and helping elevate Afghanistan’s competitiveness on the international stage.
“Gratitude for a journey filled with progress and pride. Thank you, @Trotty, for your outstanding services as the head coach of #AfghanAtalan since 2022. Your impact will always be remembered,” the Afghanistan Cricket Board wrote on X.
Afghanistan cricket board post
Under Trott’s guidance, Afghanistan achieved some of their most significant moments in recent history, including their first-ever T20 World Cup semifinal finish in 2024, landmark tournament victories, historic wins against top-ranked teams, and milestones that strengthened the nation’s global cricketing reputation. At the post-match press conference, Trott reflected on his coaching journey and the memories he had collected as the team developed individually and collectively. “I always feel fortunate enough to have had a lot of memories as a player but also now as a coach as well,” Trott said. “I think even at this ground (in Chennai), beating Pakistan, I think, the first time in the World Cup, 50-over game, beating England, two games in St. Vincent, that’s World Cup stuff. “But there’ve been lots of other things we’ve achieved: bilateral series, firsts – we’ve beaten Pakistan, Bangladesh away, South Africa, all these sorts of things. So I’m very fortunate enough to have coached some really great players, some really good humans and a good bunch of guys and areas to improve everywhere,” he added. The England international also revealed that coaching Afghanistan had never been part of his original plan. He stepped in after Graham Thorpe, who was initially meant to take the position, was unable to do so. “Graham Thorpe was supposed to be the coach, and he unfortunately couldn’t take up the role. I then got offered the job and took it with both hands. But at the same time, Graham was huge in my development as a coach and he gave me great opportunities at the ECB and had full faith and belief in me as a coach,” Trott said. “So have a lot to be thankful for him for this role. So I’m here by chance. I gave it my all. I hope the players can see the love that have for the game and the care that have for them as players and as people.” Trott emphasized the importance of developing more reliable pace bowlers to complement Afghanistan’s star spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, which would support the team’s next steps on their cricketing journey. “The consistency and development of some more seamers that will aid the spinners and not just be heavily reliant on spinners; develop some seam bowlers so that when the team plays in conditions perhaps like the World Cup in 2027 (in South Africa and Namibia), they’ll be able to handle all different varieties of conditions,” he noted. “They’re developing the batting resources to be able to have that, and it’s about having the seamers now so they can compete all around the world, hopefully.” Trott, 44, said he now plans to take some time off before embarking on his next chapter. “I’ve really enjoyed this, and I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe have a couple of days off and see how it goes. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the World Cup goes. Gee, I wish we were still here and able to play in the next round,” he said. “I’m very proud of where I played my cricket and always like to see the England side do well. I’d be lying. I’d love to one day hopefully have the opportunity to coach a team that you hold so dear to your heart. There are a lot of people that I’m sure would love to do that job. “So we’ll have to see. But I just want to enjoy my coaching. And I’ve certainly enjoyed the last couple of years here. My tenure here has been ups and downs, but I’ve got some great memories,” he concluded.
