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ACB Mandates New Coach to be Based in Afghanistan During Off-Season

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is actively searching for a new head coach following Jonathan Trott's resignation after the T20 World Cup. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan insists the new coach's contract will mandate Afghanistan as their duty station to closely observe domestic cricket. The board aims to finalize the appointment ahead of a white-ball series against Sri Lanka in the UAE this March. Three candidates have already been shortlisted and interviewed for the position.

Key Points: Afghanistan Cricket Board Hunts for New Head Coach

  • Coach must be based in Afghanistan
  • Focus on domestic player observation
  • Appointment before Sri Lanka series
  • Three coaches shortlisted
  • Post-T20 World Cup restructuring
2 min read

ACB begins hunt for new coach, staff to be based in country

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan states new coach must be based in Afghanistan to oversee domestic cricket. Appointment expected before Sri Lanka series.

"We have stated in the contract... that their duty station will be Afghanistan. - Naseeb Khan"

New Delhi, Feb 21

The Afghanistan Cricket Board is actively searching for a new head coach and support staff, with the clear expectation that they will be based in Afghanistan during the off-season, according to ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan.

Following Jonathan Trott's resignation after Afghanistan's exit from the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the board has moved forward with plans to appoint a successor. Trott's departure has prompted a restructuring, and the ACB is keen to ensure the incoming coach is more hands-on with the country's domestic cricket scene.

"We have stated in the contract (of the head coach and other overseas coaches) that their duty station will be Afghanistan. We want the national team coaches to closely observe our domestic cricket players. And when there are no series scheduled, they should work on improving the national team's weak points," Khan told Cricbuzz.

The ACB is aiming to have the new head coach in place before Afghanistan's upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The series, consisting of three One-Day Internationals and three T20 matches, is scheduled to take place in Dubai and Sharjah from March 13 to 25, shortly after the conclusion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Khan expressed confidence that the board will finalise the appointment ahead of the Sri Lanka series, emphasising that the recruitment process is well underway.

"Our HR and technical department are currently working on the process (of recruiting our next head coach). They have shortlisted three coaches and their interviews have also been conducted. We will announce the appointment of the new head coach before the Sri Lanka series once the hiring is finalised," he confirmed.

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are scheduled to play a limited-overs series in Dubai shortly after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup concludes. The series will include three T20 Internationals, followed by three One-Day Internationals, likely taking place from March 13 to 25. The T20I matches are set to be played first.

Afghanistan were eliminated in the group stage of the current T20 World Cup, while Sri Lanka, co-hosts alongside India, advanced to the Super 8s and are now battling for a semifinal spot.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting policy. While the intent to integrate coaches into domestic cricket is good, I wonder if the 'based in Afghanistan' clause might limit their pool of top international candidates. Security and family considerations are real. Hope they find the right balance.
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Vikram M
Afghanistan cricket has come so far! They have incredible players like Rashid and Nabi. A hands-on coach living there could really build a strong system. Maybe an Indian coach would be a good fit? We share similar subcontinent conditions. 🤔
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Priya S
Fully support this. For a team that's still building its infrastructure, the coach needs to be immersed in the local cricket culture, not just fly in for series. Jonathan Trott did a decent job, but this new requirement shows ACB is thinking long-term. Good luck to them!
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Rohit P
As an Indian cricket fan, I always enjoy watching Afghanistan play. They bring so much passion. Hope the new coach can help them be more consistent. Their spin attack is world-class already! The series vs SL in UAE will be exciting.
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think this is a bit of an overreach by the board. Top coaches have global commitments and families. Forcing them to be based in one location, especially with the current situation, might backfire. They should focus on capability, not just physical presence.

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