The newly-appointed Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus has made it clear that he has no reservations about working in Afghanistan, despite the country’s challenging political landscape.
Amid the uncertainties in their homeland, Afghanistan’s international cricket operations have largely been conducted outside the country in recent years. Due to the tough situation back home, foreign coaches and support staff have typically been stationed overseas, working with the squad in the lead-up to international assignments held in the UAE or India.
However, in a notable shift, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) recently decided that the new coaching staff would be required to work within Afghanistan, just to observe the upcoming young talents of the country closely. The move came following the departure of long-serving head coach Jonathan Trott, who stepped down after completing nearly four years in charge, ending his tenure after the ongoing T20 World Cup campaign.
When Pybus’ appointment was announced, there were immediate questions about whether he would be willing to operate from within Afghanistan. Addressing those concerns, the veteran coach dismissed any doubts about his willingness to take up the challenge.
“No (didn’t have any second thoughts about coming and working in Afghanistan). I don’t have any issues with it. You know, I’ve lived in lots of different parts of the world and so I am fine with it. I’m looking forward to that and I’m really looking forward to coming and seeing the talent that is in the country,” Pybus told Cricbuzz.
He further praised Afghanistan’s remarkable cricketing rise over the past decade, highlighting the nation’s strong cricket culture and rapid development on the global stage.
“I’ve heard fantastic things about it (Afghanistan) and you know I love the fact that you’ve just got this really incredible cricket culture. I mean, to see the evolution of cricket within the country, how they’ve moved so quickly to be able to play at a level where they are equal to, and on their day better than, the top sides in the world,” he concluded.
Pybus’ first assignment as Afghanistan’s coach will be on the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin mid-March. The tour will start with a three-match T20I series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with games slated for March 13, 15, and 17. The action will then shift to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for a three-match ODI series on March 20, 22, and 25.
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