Jonathan Trott to step down as Afghanistan head coach after 2026 T20 World Cup

Jonathan Trott is set to conclude his tenure as Afghanistan’s head coach following the 2026 T20 World Cup in March, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced. The board also confirmed that they will part ways with batting coach Andrew Puttick after his contract expires on December 31.

Puttick, who took over the role in January this year, had previously served as Pakistan’s batting coach. Trott, on the other hand, first assumed charge as Afghanistan’s head coach in July 2022 and has played a pivotal role in the team’s transformation into a strong white-ball unit. Initially appointed for an 18-month term, Trott received a 12-month extension in 2024 and another in 2025, guiding Afghanistan to several memorable performances on the global stage.

"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. 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,” the board said in a statement as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The 2026 T20 World Cup, expected to be held between February 7 and March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, will mark Trott’s final assignment as Afghanistan’s head coach. Under his guidance, Afghanistan achieved historic milestones, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, their first-ever appearance in the knockout stages of an ICC event, following memorable wins over New Zealand and Australia in the group and Super Eight phases.

Earlier, in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan registered stunning wins over England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and even came close to defeating eventual champions Australia.

"It has been a privilege to work with the Afghanistan National Team and to witness their passion, resilience, and hunger to achieve greatness. 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,” said Trott.

During Trott’s tenure, Afghanistan also registered notable ODI series victories against South Africa and Bangladesh in Sharjah. Earlier in 2025, the team secured a historic berth at the upcoming Champions Trophy after finishing among the top eight sides on the 2023 ODI World Cup points table.

More recently, Afghanistan clean-swept Bangladesh 3-0 in an ODI series and followed it up with a 3-0 T20I series win against Zimbabwe. Under Trott’s leadership, Afghanistan have won 20 out of 43 ODIs and 29 out of 61 T20Is, marking one of their most successful coaching periods to date.

Trott already has his next assignment confirmed, as he will serve as head coach of the Gulf Giants in the upcoming ILT20 season, beginning December 2. He was previously the head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the 2024-25 SA20 season before being replaced by Sourav Ganguly.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) stated that the process of appointing a new head coach will commence after the 2026 T20 World Cup. Earlier this year, during Trott’s absence from the multi-format tour of Zimbabwe, former fast bowler Hamid Hassan had stepped in as interim head coach, with former captain Nawroz Mangal serving as assistant coach.