“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.”
“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.”
Afghanistan were semi-finalists for the first time in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean, following wins over New Zealand and Australia in the group and Super Eight stages. At the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan had beaten England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and came close to toppling eventual champions Australia.
Afghanistan also scored ODI series wins against South Africa and Bangladesh in Sharjah during Trott’s tenure. Earlier this year, they made a maiden appearance at the 2025 Champions Trophy after finishing among the top eight teams on the 2023 ODI World Cup points table.
ACB announced that the process for appointing a new head coach will begin after the T20 World Cup. In Trott’s absence earlier this year during Afghanistan’s multi-format tour of Zimbabwe, former fast bowler Hamid Hassan had filled in as head coach while former captain Nawroz Mangal was the assistant coach.
