Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan paid rich tribute to outgoing head coach Jonathan Trott, saying the former England batter played a defining role in putting the team on the right path and elevating the standards of Afghan cricket.
Afghanistan will face Canada in their final match of the T20 World Cup campaign, which will also mark Trott’s last game in charge.
“We have a series against Sri Lanka straight after the World Cup and then the IPL. Tomorrow is Jonathan Trott’s last game with us. We’ve had some unbelievable games and tours with him. He has been someone who has taken Afghanistan cricket to where it is now,” Rashid said on the eve of the Canada clash.
“I think he has worked so hard with every single one. Definitely everyone around us will miss him so much. He played a main role in taking this team on the right way, right path.”
RAISING THE BAR
Under Trott, Afghanistan have grown into a side capable of competing consistently against top teams across formats. Rashid stressed that the progress was a result of sustained hard work and clarity of direction.
Looking ahead, the captain emphasised the need for constant improvement as opposition teams begin to devise specific plans against Afghanistan.
“Now nothing is easy for us. Teams will come against us with different plans. It’s about how we manage ourselves, upgrade our skills and stay one step ahead of the opposition. That depends on individuals and how we prepare ourselves,” he said.
“We have gone through tough and pressure situations, but individually you have to think about how you’re going to respond and perform for the team.”
FOCUS ON 50-OVER WORLD CUP
Rashid also turned his attention to the upcoming ODI World Cup in South Africa, saying Afghanistan are determined to build on their strong performance in the 2023 edition.
“We had a great 2023 World Cup, but we look forward to improving the things we didn’t do well and keep improving each and every day,” he added.
NABI’S FUTURE AND ENJOYING THE GAME
Asked whether experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would take a call on his international future, Rashid said the decision rests entirely with the veteran.
“I think I need to ask him. Well, individually, everybody knows himself very well, than anybody else to say, it’s time for you to go. I think he is still fit. He is still doing well for the team.
“He is still fielding on the boundary and running better than any other youngster in the team, and I feel like you still have some cricket left, but it’s all about individual decision. It’s all about till what time you enjoy your cricket. For me personally, till I enjoy, I will play. Once that stops, I don’t see myself playing anymore.”
TOUGH SCHEDULE, FINE MARGINS
Reflecting on Afghanistan’s campaign, Rashid admitted the scheduling made the task particularly demanding, with two major sides lined up early in the tournament.
“I feel this time it was a little bit different campaign for us. Starting, you have to play two best sides. New Zealand and South Africa, in four days, you have to be like, you don’t have any mistake to make, and any mistake which takes you out of the competition and I feel like that’s what happened to us.
“We were a little bit like playing back to back two games in a row and against big teams and then close game against South Africa. Didn’t we cross the line to be on the winning side? But, that’s what T20 is all about. You can’t really take a back seat, relax a little bit.”
As Afghanistan prepare to close out their campaign against Canada, the focus will also be on giving Trott a fitting farewell after a tenure that Rashid believes helped shape the team’s modern identity.
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