In an emotional farewell that reflects the deep bond between a coach and his team, Jonathan Trott broke down in tears during his final press conference as Afghanistan coach after his team’s 82-run win over Canada. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday. The 44-year-old former England international, whose three-and-a-half-year tenure ends after this tournament, struggled to contain his emotions when asked to reflect on his journey with the Afghanistan side.
An emotional moment for Jonathan Trott
The press conference at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium took an emotional turn when Trott was asked about his time with the team. Words failed her as the tears flowed and she paused briefly as she composed herself. “Well, I’m just thinking, and I could sit here and tell a lot of stories that I’ve seen with my own eyes, but with talent, yeah – I said, I don’t want to be upset.” Trott admitted, wiping away tears.
What followed was heartfelt respect for the team he described as having ““Natural raw talent” was all that was neededsome structure to the mentality, professionalism and high standards” to flourish on the international stage.
A consolation win for Afghanistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup
He left the tournament with Afghanistan strong win over tournament debutant Canadatheir second win of the campaign. Earlier defeats to New Zealand and the heartbreak of a double Super Over loss to South Africa meant the 2024 semi-finalists failed to progress to the Super 8 stage, with South Africa and New Zealand progressing from Group D.
Opener Ibrahim Zadran hit 95 for 56, the highest individual score for an Afghan at this World Cup – while veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi claimed remarkable figures of 7 for 4 to guide Canada to 118.
Trott’s emotional reflection on the Afghanistan team: From chaos to unity
Trott’s emotional reaction came from witnessing the team’s remarkable transformation since he took over in July 2022. Recalling his first tour with the team in Ireland, he compared the “chaotic” beginnings to a polished outfit now respected around the world.
“I remember my first visit when I was in Ireland and I saw things that made me realize that these guys are very talented and focused” Trott said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I remember seeing Ibra (Ibrahim Zadran) for the first time, I remember seeing Azmat (Azmatullah Omarzai) for the first time, I remember seeing Gurbaz (Rahmanullah Gurbaz) for the first time and thinking what great players they are. Let’s try to develop what we have, this natural raw talent.”
The head coach emphasized how much the team has progressed: “The first round is chalk and cheese to where we are now.”
Highlighting the extraordinary circumstances in which Afghan cricket has emerged, Trott repeatedly directed credit to his players throughout his emotional speech. Unlike established cricketing nations, Afghanistan lacks permanent home facilities, academies and structured training pathways for young players.
“They’re performing at such a high level compared to other countries, but they’re able to get on that stage and compete and almost people expect us to be in the semis and finals, which is amazing to me.” Trott observed.
In sharp contrast to his own privileged upbringing, he added: “The amount of training these guys do now compared to what they’re doing internationally is chalk and cheese. So I take my hat off to each and every one of them.”
For Trott, the most satisfying aspect of his tenure went far beyond the accomplishments on the field. He spoke movingly of witnessing players transform not only as cricketers but also as individuals who can change the circumstances of their families.
“The greatest joy for me in this job is being able to see players develop and change their lives off the field, not just on the field, but the ability of players to change the destiny and trajectory of their families as a family and as a group of people.” he said. “Forget the cricket side of things, when I take over, it’s very rewarding to see the boys equip themselves and develop as young men and become young men.”
Trott’s tenure, which began after he was considered for the Graham Thorpe role in July 2022 but failed to take it, saw Afghanistan reach unprecedented heights. Under his leadership, the team reached the semi-finals of the first T20 World Cup in 2024 and came agonizingly close to the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in 2023.
Reflecting on key achievements, Trott recalled: “Beating Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup, beating England, winning bilateral series at home against teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, all that kind of stuff.”
What’s next for Trott?
With the Afghanistan branch closed, Trott admitted uncertainty about his future and hinted at wanting to coach England – the team he represented with distinction as a player.
“I won’t let you put words in my mouth” When asked directly about the England case, he noted, before adding with characteristic honesty: “I really enjoyed it and I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe we’ll take a few days off and see how it goes.”
Especially when coaching England, he admitted: “I’m very proud of where I play my cricket and I always want to see the England side do well. I’m going to lie. I hope one day I’d like to have the opportunity to coach the team you hold so dear to your heart.”
Even during the farewell, Trott offered constructive guidance for the team’s continued development. He identified the need to create more depth in the seam bowling to complement world-class spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, especially with an eye on the 2027 World Cup in South African conditions.
“Consistency and development of a few more seamers which will help the spinners and not depend too much on the spinners, develop some seam bowlers so that when the team plays in conditions like the World Cup in 2027, they can handle all the different conditions.” Trott advised.
As Trott walked away from his final press conference as Afghanistan coach, the emotion on display underscored a truth that transcends cricket.
We present the video:
It was an emotional press conference for Jonathan Trott, which shows how much the experience meant to him and how much he loves working with the Afghanistan Cricket Team.
Thank you coach and all the best @TrottyThrough @ICC #T20WorldCup #AFGvCAN pic.twitter.com/CvvKBjnVJN
— Bashir Gharwal Gharwal (@bashir_gharwall) February 19, 2026
