The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has made its expectations crystal clear: the next head coach of the national team will be required to work from Afghanistan during the off-season.
ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan revealed that the board has formally included this condition in the new coaching contract. The move signals a strategic shift toward strengthening grassroots development and ensuring closer monitoring of domestic talent.
Coaching Role to Be Grounded in Afghanistan
Following Jonathan Trott’s resignation after Afghanistan’s group-stage exit at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the board has accelerated its search for a replacement.
According to Naseeb Khan, the new coaching structure will emphasize year-round involvement rather than limited international assignments.
“The duty station of the head coach and overseas support staff will be Afghanistan,” Naseeb confirmed. “We want our national team coaches to actively observe domestic cricket and work directly on areas that need improvement when there are no international series.”
The board believes this hands-on approach will help bridge the gap between domestic performers and the national setup, ensuring smoother transitions and stronger squad depth.
Appointment Expected Before Sri Lanka Series
The ACB is aiming to finalize the appointment before Afghanistan’s upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to take place in the UAE soon after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup.
As per the tentative schedule, the bilateral series will include:
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Three One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
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Three T20 Internationals (T20Is)
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Matches to be played in Dubai and Sharjah
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Dates: March 13–25
Naseeb confirmed that the board’s HR and technical departments are actively overseeing the recruitment process.
Shortlist Finalized, Interviews Completed
The selection process has already progressed significantly. Three candidates have been shortlisted, and interviews have been completed.
Interestingly, the shortlisted pool reflects a blend of international experience:
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Two candidates from South Africa
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One candidate from Asia
While speculation continues within cricketing circles, Naseeb refrained from revealing names, stating that contracts are yet to be finalized.
“We will officially announce the new head coach before the Sri Lanka series once everything is completed,” he said. “At this stage, mentioning names would be premature.”
A Strategic Turning Point for Afghanistan Cricket
This decision marks an important moment in Afghanistan cricket’s evolution. By requiring the head coach to operate from within the country, the ACB is signaling long-term intent — prioritizing development pathways, domestic structure strengthening, and sustained technical oversight.
Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket over the past decade has been impressive, but the board appears determined to build deeper foundations to ensure consistency at the highest level.
With the Sri Lanka series fast approaching, all eyes will now be on Kabul as the ACB prepares to usher in a new era of leadership.
An official announcement is expected in the coming days.
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