Afghanistan’s campaign came to an end on Friday, and so too did Trott’s three-and-a-half-year tenure. Since taking charge in July 2022, he has helped them to a sixth-placed finish in the 2023 ODI World Cup, while making the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, The franchise circuit has taken note of those achievements, with Trott going on to work for Pretoria Capitals in 2024-25 and the Gulf Giants in 2025-26.
“I’m not going to let you put words in my mouth,” Trott said, when asked whether there was a specific coaching job he’d like to do in the future.
“But, you know, I’ve really enjoyed this. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe I have a couple of days off and see how it goes. And I look forward to seeing how the rest of the World Cup goes. I wish we were still here and able to play in the next round.”
Trott, who was born in Cape Town, played 127 matches for England between 2009 and 2015, and averaged 44.08 in 52 Tests, predominantly batting at No.3. He was part of the team that won three consecutive Ashes series, including in Australia in 2010-11, en route to becoming the ICC’s No.1-ranked side. He also averaged 51.25 in 68 ODIs, and featured at the 2011 World Cup.
“I am very proud of the way I played my career, and always like to see the England side do well,” he said. “I’d love to one day, hopefully, have the opportunity to coach a team that you hold so dear to your heart. There are a lot of people that I’m sure would love to do that job. So yeah, we’ll have to see. But I just want to enjoy my coaching. And, you know, I’ve certainly enjoyed the last couple of years here.”
Trott’s initial tenure with Afghanistan was for 18 months, but he was given a 12-month extension in 2024 and then again through 2025. In his parting comments, he hoped Afghanistan would develop more fast bowlers, ahead of the 2027 World Cup which will take place on the seam-friendly pitches in South Africa, but praised the batting ability that they have gained over the years.
“I’ve often said to the players, it’s not being able to win route-one. It’s being able to win different kinds of ways, or win ugly.”
