After all, those were officially his final moments as Afghanistan men’s cricket team coach. It was an end to a remarkable three-and-a-half-year stint that saw him guide the side to becoming a prominent force in world cricket.
But, midway through the media interaction, while answering a question on his role in building this Afghan side, Trott’s resolve melted. For a few poignant seconds, words failed to escape his throat; his eyes glistened with the sorrow of farewell.
Trott soon regained his composure and returned to recounting his time with the Afghanistan side.
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“I could sit here and tell you so many stories of things that I’ve seen with my own eyes,” said Trott. “I remember our first trip to Ireland. I realised that these boys are so talented and focused. And if you could just add a little bit of structure to the mindset, professionalism and the high standards that we hold ourselves to. Let’s build on what we’ve got as natural raw talent and see where we can get to.”
Under Trott, Afghanistan took massive strides, evolving from a collection of prodigiously talented individuals into a fearsome collective unit. The most significant of his achievements came at the 2024 T20 World Cup when the team reached its maiden semifinal in a global tournament.
Such has been Afghanistan’s rise that its failure to make it out of the group stage in the ongoing World Cup has been perceived as a genuine upset.
“You know, we had the names – Mujeeb [Ur Rahman], [Mohammad] Nabi, Rashid [Khan]. But it’s just one of those things. And I remember how chaotic that first tour was, to where we are now – it is chalk and cheese. And now people almost expect us to be in the semifinals and finals. I find it amazing that they [my players] can do that and handle the pressure,” Trott said.
The former England batter also applauded the Afghan players, contrasting the hardships they faced en route to international cricket with the privileges he enjoyed.
“If I hadn’t gone to schooling and all the academies and the coaching sessions and had the upbringing that I was afforded, I’m not sure I’d be able to stand on that field in front of 20,000 people… I take my hat off to every single one of them. The level they operate at will always amaze me,” said Trott.
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The 44-year-old also painted a picture of the difficulties involved in coaching the Afghan players, and the learnings and satisfaction he gained from the experience.
“I think the guys are so resilient. I think they all have different stories. Being able to play for Afghanistan is a huge honour for them. So it’s not really that hard to get them motivated. [But to] get them to understand tactics and the game and doing the basics day in, day out – that is sometimes, for some players, very foreign because of the structure that they’ve come from.
“So, to try and add these things to players is not as straightforward as perhaps for some other players around the world. So that’s been the great challenge. But the great thing is that when you start developing [players], you see them succeed. As a coach, that’s the most rewarding thing. It’s not about how much money you earn or that sort of thing.
“There have been so many times I’ve left net sessions or training sessions and thought, ‘I really enjoyed that,’ because I was able to coach, and the players wanted to be coached. I don’t think that happens everywhere around the world at the moment, where players want to be coached every day. So as a coach, that’s a great feeling,” he added.
For all the progress on the cricketing front, Trott emphasised the fulfilment he had gained from helping the Afghanistan players grow off-field as his biggest takeaway.
“I gave it my all. I hope the players can see the love that I have for the game and the care that I have for them as players and as people. But not only that, the great joy for me in this job is being able to see the players develop off the field as well.
“And lives change, not just on the field, but the ability for players to change their families, fortunes and trajectory. To be able to play a small part in that is very satisfying. Seeing guys equipping themselves and developing into young men is very worthwhile,” Trott added.
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The last question Trott fielded at the press conference was one on his coaching future and whether the England job entices him.
“I’m not going to let you put words in my mouth,” retorted a laughing Trott.
“But I’ve really enjoyed this [coaching Afghanistan]. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe have a couple of days off and see how it goes. But yeah, I’m very proud of where I played my cricket. I’d always like to see the England side do well.
“I would be lying [if I said no]. I’d love to, hopefully, one day have the opportunity to coach a team that you hold so dear to your heart. There are a lot of people who 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 I’ve certainly enjoyed the last couple of years. You know, my tenure has had its ups and downs. But I have some great memories,” added Trott.
Published on Feb 20, 2026
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