ACB mull leadership overhaul after T20 World Cup exit

Is Afghanistan eyeing changes in leadership? The question is buzzing after their exit from the ICC T20 World Cup, with Rashid Khan failing to take the team deep into consecutive global events. They also did not reach the second round of the T20 Asia Cup.

Rashid Khan, first appointed Afghanistan's T20I captain in 2019, stepped down ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup over selection disagreements before resuming the role after the 2022 T20 World Cup, replacing Mohammad Nabi.

The ACB appointed Rashid with high hopes, believing he would lead the team to greater heights.

While many consider Afghanistan among the best T20 sides, their performances in ACC and ICC events have not justified that. The board has already initiated wholesale changes in team management, appointing Toby Radford as batting coach ahead of the World Cup and bringing in Richard Pybus as head coach following their T20 World Cup exit, replacing Jonathan Trott.

Whether a similar change in leadership will follow remains to be seen. According to ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan, there is a possibility, though no final decision has been taken.

"We are currently considering reforms within the team," Naseeb told Cricbuzz. "If you are building a team for the future, changes are inevitable. We have already changed the head coach, batting coach, and trainer, and similar adjustments will also be made within the team. However, no final decision has been made regarding the captains yet."

Afghanistan's new head coach Richard Pybus told Cricbuzz he does not have any problem working in Afghanistan. His appointment signals a fresh approach.

Naseeb confirmed Pybus is expected to join the team after the white-ball series against Sri Lanka, scheduled in Dubai and Sharjah from March. "After the Sri Lanka series, he will come to Afghanistan. We are planning to introduce a new management team. We want to start preparations from now for the 2027 and 2028 World Cups," he added.

Naseeb sounded cautious about the future of the tour due to the prevailing geo-political climate. "If the situation becomes normal, we will definitely proceed with it," he said.

Afghanistan will host Sri Lanka for a multi-format white-ball series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is in the UAE from March 13 to 25. The T20Is will be in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17; the ODIs in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25.

The ACB is keen to get preparations started soon, with an eye on having a settled unit before their India tour in June. For now, all eyes are on the Sri Lanka series, which could turn out to be a dress rehearsal for a new captain should Rashid eventually make way.