Afghanistan’s cricket journey takes a new turn with the appointment of Richard Pybus as head coach, announced by the ACB just after their T20 World Cup 2026 ouster. He replaces Jonathan Trott and links up with the team prior to the Sri Lanka white-ball series from March 13.
Under Trott, Afghanistan scripted fairy tales—beating England and Pakistan in ODI World Cup 2023 and reaching T20 World Cup 2024 semis. Pybus, 61, from Newcastle upon Tyne (born July 5, 1964), barely registered as a player with one forgettable first-class outing. Yet, coaching is where he shines.
Pybus’s West Indies spell (2013-2019) was transformative, coinciding with 2016 World Cup wins for senior men, women, and U19s. He coached Pakistan to the 1999 World Cup final (lost to Australia) and Bangladesh in 2013. His qualifications are top-tier: CSA Level 4 coach, Neuroleadership executive coach, certified performance expert, and NLP master.
As Afghanistan boasts raw talent, the big question lingers: Can Pybus convert potential into trophies like an Asia Cup or World Cup? His arrival signals ambition. With the Sri Lanka clash as his debut, expect strategic shifts and heightened intensity. This could mark the beginning of Afghanistan’s trophy-winning chapter in international cricket.