Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott confirmed that all miscommunication with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have been resolved ahead of the team’s T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting October 29 in Harare.
Trott acknowledged concerns about a communication gap regarding team selection and coordination with board officials but clarified that those matters have now been settled. His statement comes at a pivotal time for Afghanistan, who are eager to regain form following a disappointing Asia
Cup campaign and a Test series defeat, as they look to build momentum leading up to the T20 World Cup.
"Had a good discussion - the ACB, myself, and all the stakeholders and top management - and we've come to an agreement on how to move forward. I think it's been resolved, and any miscommunication or misunderstanding has been sorted out," Trott told reporters ahead of the series in Harare as quoted by India Today.
"The communication is now in place, and we're all working together, building up for a strong Zimbabwe side and looking beyond that to the T20 World Cup in the subcontinent,” he added.
Trott added that recent discussions with the ACB had been productive and beneficial, helping strengthen mutual understanding and future planning. While ACB officials have indicated their intention to retain him as head coach beyond the T20 World Cup, the former England cricketer emphasised that his current focus remains on the team’s immediate goals.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Afghanistan cricket through to the end of the 2026 World Cup and shared his long-term vision of building a consistent, competitive side capable of challenging top teams on the global stage.
"I think sometimes these discussions are healthy, as you realise where things can be improved on both sides. The communication over the last few days has been brilliant - I've really enjoyed that and I'm looking forward to the next few months," said Trott.
"There's been some good discussion in the last few days. I've signed a contract through to the end of the 2026 World Cup, and I'm obviously excited about the future and the next few months. We were disappointed with how the Asia Cup went, but we need to bounce back - the guys have been training well," he added.
Under Trott’s guidance, Afghanistan have achieved remarkable progress in recent years, highlighted by their maiden appearance in the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2024 and notable series wins against South Africa and Bangladesh. Looking ahead, Trott emphasised the team’s short-term objective of maintaining consistency and building momentum ahead of next year’s global tournaments. Afghanistan are set to face Zimbabwe in a three-match T20I series on October 29, 31, and November 3 in Harare.
"We're here to win and to build as much momentum as possible in the last few months leading up to the World Cup," Trott concluded.
