Afghanistan’s national cricket team has entered a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of Richard Pybus as its new head coach, following an early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the high-profile hiring on 24 February 2026, positioning Pybus to prepare the team for an important white-ball series against Sri Lanka in March.
A Bold Move After World Cup Disappointment
Afghanistan struggled in the T20 World Cup 2026, winning just two of four group matches and failing to reach the Super 8 stage. That performance led to the departure of former coach Jonathan Trott, who guided the team since July 2022 but saw the side fall short of expectations. Trott oversaw notable achievements, including their first T20 World Cup semi-final appearance in 2024, yet left open the door to new leadership after the recent campaign.
The ACB’s decision to bring in Pybus signals a fresh strategy. According to the board, Pybus will work closely with players and support staff, and his appointment comes at a time when Afghanistan seeks long-term stability and competitive success. The ACB emphasized that Pybus’s role begins immediately ahead of the three-match T20I and three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, due to start in Sharjah and Dubai in mid-March.
Pybus’s Distinguished Cricketing Career
Richard Pybus, 61, brings extensive international coaching experience. He began his career in coaching after a brief playing stint and quickly made a name for himself in global cricket circles. Pybus served as head coach of Pakistan’s national team and guided them to the 1999 Cricket World Cup final. He later took on key roles with West Indies cricket as head coach, director of cricket, and head of high performance from 2013 to 2019. Under his leadership, West Indies achieved a historic treble in 2016 when the men’s, women’s, and Under-19 teams all secured ICC World Cup titles in the same year.
His resume also includes coaching stints with Bangladesh and various domestic teams in South Africa. Pybus has worked with internationally acclaimed players such as Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn, and Mohammad Rizwan, emphasizing performance development and high-performance culture. The ACB praised his track record as both strategic and player-centred.
Embracing the Challenge in Afghanistan
Unlike some foreign coaches who have been based outside Afghanistan due to security concerns, Pybus has stated his commitment to living and working within the country. He told reporters, “I’ve lived in lots of different parts of the world and so I am fine with it.” Pybus expressed enthusiasm about engaging directly with domestic talent and working closely with selectors to build a programme centred on sustained development.
Cricket in Afghanistan has not been played on home soil for several years due to ongoing political instability, with most “home” fixtures held in the United Arab Emirates. The ACB’s intent to base the coaching staff within Afghanistan reflects a desire to enhance grassroots programmes and strengthen internal structures.
Read More: T20 World Cup 2026 Delivers Epic as South Africa Survive Afghanistan Scare
What Lies Ahead for Afghan Cricket
Pybus’s first major task will be to steer Afghanistan through its upcoming white-ball assignments against Sri Lanka, a series that promises to set the tone for the team’s new era. Analysts see his experience and global insight as crucial to reshaping Afghanistan’s approach to both training and international competition. As the Afghan national team continues its pursuit of consistency and higher rankings, Pybus’s leadership will be under close watch.
