ACB chief told that next coach's duty station will be in Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is now mandating that its incoming head coach and support staff must reside within Afghanistan during the off-season. CEO Naseeb Khan confirmed this stipulation, emphasizing the need for coaches to scout domestic talent and rectify team weaknesses during gaps in the international calendar. This search follows Jonathan Trott’s resignation after Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup elimination.

The board intends to finalize the appointment before the white-ball series against Sri Lanka, which begins in mid-March across Dubai and Sharjah. According to Khan, the recruitment team has already shortlisted and interviewed three potential candidates: two from South Africa and one from Asia. While negotiations continue, specific names remain undisclosed until contracts are officially signed.

This specific strategic shift ensures the new leadership is deeply integrated into local cricket development. The selected coach will immediately take charge for the upcoming six-match tour held specifically in the United Arab Emirates.