Richard Pybus expressed his readiness to relocate to Afghanistan as the new head coach of the national cricket team, succeeding Jonathan Trott after the conclusion of their Twenty20 World Cup campaign. Cricket activities in Afghanistan have been halted due to the ongoing political situation, leading the national team to host their home matches in the United Arab Emirates.
Historically, foreign coaches have operated from outside Afghanistan, typically joining the team during training camps held in the UAE or India ahead of international competitions. However, Naseeb Khan, the chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), revealed plans to have the new coach and support staff stationed within the country to enhance collaboration with local players.
“I’ve resided in various regions globally, so I am comfortable with the move,” mentioned Richard Pybus, a 61-year-old coach from England, in an interview with Cricbuzz. “I am eager to venture into the provinces, scout talent, collaborate with selectors, and engage in player development… The team has shown significant growth over time, evident in their strong performances in recent World Cups. I am thrilled about this opportunity.”
With coaching experiences in West Indies, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, Pybus is set to kick off his new role by preparing the team for an upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka in March. The series will consist of three Twenty20 matches in Sharjah and three One-Day Internationals in Dubai.