Jonathan Trott breaks down while recounting Afghanistan’s turnaround — watch

Originally posted on Crictoday | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 3:35 AM ET

Jonathan Trott was emotional in his last press conference as Afghanistan’s head coach after their match against Canada in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Trott’s contract ended following the team’s elimination from the global tournament after coming on board in 2022. He achieved success with the sub-continent team, making Afghanistan one of the leading performers in white-ball cricket.

In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan defeated England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. They thumped Australia and New Zealand in the previous edition.

Trott spoke about his experience with the team and their future. This made him emotional as he recalled his first tour to Ireland.

“There are so many stories I have seen with my own eyes. I remembered my first trip to Ireland and soon realised that these boys were talented and focused,” he said.

A tearful final press conference by Jonathan Trott. He was visible emotional and moved.

That's what Afghans and Afghanistan do to you. They make you fall in love with them, whatever the cost may be.
pic.twitter.com/XhlU04JSXG
— Hameed Shuja (@hameedshuja) February 19, 2026

“There was a need to add structure to the mindset, professionalism, and the high standards. When I saw Ibra, Azmat and Gurbaz for the first time, I thought they were amazing players. I built on what we had. We had Mujeeb, Nabi, Rashid. The first tour was chaotic,” he added.

He lauded the players for their contributions despite facing challenges back home. “The players deserve credit because of the challenges and the things they had as youngsters to develop their game. They have come to a stage where people want to see them in the semi-finals and the finals, which is an amazing thing. Thy handled the pressure but also the background as they don’t have the facility which young players have like academies and schooling,” he mentioned.

Trott thanked all the players. “I take my hat off to every single player. I will always be fond of them and want to guys to do well,” he concluded.

This article first appeared on Crictoday and was syndicated with permission.

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