Afghanistan are mulling changes to their leadership structure after a disappointing group-stage exit at the Men’s T20 World Cup, prompting a period of reflection within the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Despite entering the tournament with high expectations and a balanced squad, Afghanistan failed to secure enough points to advance to the Super 8 stage, with defeats against New Zealand and South Africa, proving costly.
Led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency in crucial moments. Rashid, one of the world’s leading T20 bowlers, now faces scrutiny over tactical decisions and team combinations as the board evaluates the next phase of its white-ball strategy.
ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan confirmed that discussions are underway regarding potential structural and leadership adjustments. While no final call has been made on the captaincy, the board has already initiated changes within the support staff to strengthen the team’s long-term competitiveness.
“We are currently considering reforms within the team. If you are building a team for the future, changes are inevitable. We have already changed the head coach, batting coach, and trainer, and similar adjustments will also be made within the team,” Naseeb told Cricbuzz.
“However, no final decision has been made regarding the captains yet, so I cannot say at this stage whether they will be changed or retained,” Naseeb added.
Afghanistan have recently appointed experienced coach Richard Pybus to steer the team through a rebuilding phase following their T20 World Cup setback. Pybus, who previously coached Pakistan to the 1999 World Cup final, replaces Jonathan Trott, whose tenure concluded after the tournament.
WHEN WILL AFGHANISTAN NEXT PLAY?
In the aftermath of their World Cup disappointment, Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series beginning March 13 in Sharjah, followed by a three-match ODI series in Dubai from March 20.
The team is also scheduled to tour India in June for a multi-format series comprising a one-off Test and three ODIs. The Test match will be held in New Chandigarh from June 6, marking only the second red-ball meeting between the two sides since their inaugural Test in 2018 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The ODI series will commence on June 14 in Dharamshala, with subsequent matches in Lucknow on June 17 and Chennai on June 20.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
