Afghanistan’s head coach Jonathan Trott agrees to a 2024 contract extension.
Graham Thorpe was replaced by the former England star in July 2022, and he most recently supervised Afghanistan’s most successful 50-over World Cup campaign.
After signing a contract extension, Jonathan Trott will continue to lead Afghanistan as head coach in 2024.
Graham Thorpe was replaced by the former England star in July 2022, and he most recently supervised Afghanistan’s most successful 50-over World Cup campaign.
Afghanistan won four matches at the 2023 tournament in India, placing them just two points behind New Zealand in fourth place. They also won their first-ever ODI against Pakistan on their eighth try and their first-ever victory over England in any format.
They had taken home the wooden spoon in 2019 after winning just one game in their prior two Cricket World Cup trips.
Trott has managed eight victories in 23 ODIs and eleven victories in 26 T20Is, which includes a series triumph over Pakistan. But in his one and only Test match as captain, Afghanistan was crushed by Bangladesh by 546 runs.
In light of this contract announcement, Trott will likely be leading the T20 World Cup in June, when he will be looking to improve on placing last in their Super 12 group in 2022. Three of Afghanistan’s five matches ended in losses, and the other two ended in a draw because of inclement weather.
Speaking after Afghanistan’s World Cup departure in November of last year, Trott explained his goals for the team, stating that one of his top tasks would be to establish a larger talent pool.
“It’s about the development, the nurturing and the investment in youth players coming through,” he stated. “Having a larger roster with more players is the next step up. We’ve seen Fazalhaq Farooqi enter and Noor [Ahmad] enter. We can now choose a side based on the circumstances for the first time.
“You’re witnessing players come into their own, gain franchise cricket experience, and develop into excellent players. The future is promising since there is undoubtedly a larger pool than there was in the past.
“As a team, as managers, and as coaches, it is our responsibility to ensure that we foster that and make sure we’re moving in the proper path.”
The danger franchise cricket offers to the international game, however, will be one that Trott has to overcome.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board penalised Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in December for “prioritising their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan.” All three players competed in the World Cup. After two years, the three will not be able to get NOCs (no-objection certifications), and they will not be eligible for central contracts in 2024.
Farooqi and Naveen are presently playing for Afghanistan against the UAE, but Mujeeb is still in Australia, where he is unable to play for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash due to the withdrawal of his NOC.