Proud Trott reflects on Afghanistan journey, ponders next role

Outgoing Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has reflected on his tenure with the side as he looks ahead to his next coaching opportunity.

Trott's time in charge of Afghanistan came to an end on Thursday when the team was knocked out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup despite an impressive 82-run victory over Canada in Chennai.

While it was Afghanistan's second victory of the T20 World Cup, losses to New Zealand and South Africa to start to the tournament meant there was no spot available in the Super Eights phase of the event.

For Trott it was his final match in charge of the Asian side, with the former England international having overseen an excellent recent run across a period of more than three years that included a remarkable trip to the semi-finals of the T20 world Cup at the most recent edition of the tournament in 2024.

Trott reflected on his time in charge and said he had plenty of great memories as the side developed as individuals and as a team.

"I always feel very fortunate enough to have had a lot of memories as a player but also now as a coach as well," Trott said.

"I think even at this ground (in Chennai), beating Pakistan, I think, the first time in the World Cup, 50-over game, beating England, two games in St. Vincent, that's World Cup stuff.

"But there's been lots of other things we've achieved, bilateral series, firsts we've beaten Pakistan, Bangladesh away, South Africa, all these sorts of things.

"So I'm very fortunate enough to have coached some really great players, some really good humans, a good bunch of guys and areas to improve everywhere."

Trott suggested developing a few more reliable pacers to help spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman would aid Afghanistan's next step on their cricketing journey.

"The consistency and development of some more seamers that will aid the spinners and not just be heavily reliant on spinners, develop some seam bowlers so that when the team plays in conditions perhaps like the World Cup in 2027 (in South Africa and Namibia), they'll be able to handle all different varieties of conditions," Trott noted.

"They're developing the batting resources to be able to have that, and it's about having the seamers now so they can compete all around the world, hopefully."

And while Trott is sure to be in hot demand for a varitey of coaching roles across the world, the 44-year-old said his only focus was enjoying some time off prior to commencing his next chapter.

"I've really enjoyed this and I don't know what the future holds. Maybe have a couple of days off and see how it goes. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the World Cup goes. Gee, I wish we were still here and able to play in the next round," Trott said.

"I'm very proud of where I played my cricket and always like to see the England side do well. I'd be lying. I'd love to one day hopefully have the opportunity to coach a team that you hold so dear to your heart. There are a lot of people that I'm sure would love to do that job.

"So we'll have to see. But I just want to be enjoy my coaching. And, I've certainly enjoyed the last couple of years here. My tenure here has been ups and downs, but I've some great memories."