Afghanistan Replace Jonathan Trott With Three-Time World Cup Architect As Head Coach

Richard Pybus. [Source - AFP Photos]

In a significant development, Afghanistan Cricket Board has officially named Richard Pybus as the new head coach of Afghanistan men's cricket team on Tuesday. The English-born cricket coach will take charge ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka in March, beginning a fresh chapter for Afghan cricket.

Richard Pybus steps in after the emotional farewell of Jonathan Trott, whose journey with Afghanistan ended following the 2026 T20 World Cup. The board believes Pybus’ vast experience and leadership skills can help the team grow stronger and stay competitive at the highest level.

Known for building strong systems and disciplined environments, Pybus brings global experience and a clear long-term vision. Afghanistan are not just appointing a coach, they are bringing in a strategist who understands how to build teams for sustained success and one who keeps close, personal tabs on domestic performers.

Who is Richard Pybus? A Career Built on Big Stages

Richard Pybus is a seasoned cricket coach who has worked across different continents. One of his most notable roles came with the West Indies cricket team, where he served in senior coaching and high-performance positions between 2013 and 2019.

His time there produced history as West Indies achieved a rare treble in 2016, lifting World Cups with their Men's, Women's and U19 sides in the same calendar year. Richard Pybus was deeply involved in creating the structure that made that success possible.

Earlier, he coached the Pakistan cricket team and guided them to the 1999 World Cup final. Though they fell short against Australia, the campaign remains one of Pakistan’s strongest tournament runs ever in their history.

Mentor, Builder and Serial Winner

Beyond team trophies, Richard Pybus has quietly shaped some of the modern greats. He worked closely with players like Dale Steyn during his rise and played a part making him one of the greatest bowlers ever to play the game.

He has also contributed to the development of players like Faf du Plessis and Mohammad Rizwan, helping them shine in international cricket. Moreover, he has an impeccable record in South Africa’s domestic cricket.

Richard Pybus built a record few can match in South Africa as domestic teams under his guidance have won nine championships till date, and he was named Coach of the Year twice, a proof of his ability to turn potential into consistent success.

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A New Era for Afghanistan under a new Head Coach

Afghanistan’s rise in cricket, especially in the shorter formats, has been nothing short of incredible. Under Jonathan Trott, who took charge of the side in 2022, the team grew in belief and composure, competing fearlessly on the global stage. His emotional farewell after the 2026 T20 World Cup reflected the strong bond built with the players.

Now, with Richard Pybus stepping in as the new Afghanistan head coach, the journey enters a new phase filled with ambition. The foundation is already strong, but the focus shifts to consistency and bigger goals and with vast experience and a structured approach from Pybus will surely guide Afghanistan toward even greater heights.

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