Is Toby Radford the Right Choice as Afghanistan's Batting Coach for T20 WC 2026?
Synopsis
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has made strategic moves by hiring Toby Radford as their batting coach. This decision could be pivotal for the team's performance in the tournament. Find out more about the coaching changes and what this means for Afghanistan's cricketing future.
Key Takeaways
Toby Radford appointed as batting coach for Afghanistan.
Radford replaces Andrew Puttick amid preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Robert Ahmun joins as strength and conditioning trainer.
Afghanistan aims to improve upon their previous World Cup performance.
First match against New Zealand on February 8, 2026.
Kabul, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has enhanced its coaching team in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by appointing Toby Radford as the national team’s batting coach for this significant tournament, set to commence on February 7 in the subcontinent.
Radford will take over from Andrew Puttick in the batting coach role. The former first-class cricketer is anticipated to join the Afghanistan squad during the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies.
Additionally, the ACB has named Robert Ahmun as the new strength and conditioning coach. He is expected to integrate into the squad before the team’s final T20I series ahead of the World Cup. Both coaching appointments are for a one-year term.
"The Afghanistan Cricket Board is thrilled to announce the selection of Toby Radford as the National Team’s Batting Coach and Robert Ahmun as the new Strength and Conditioning Trainer. Both will be joining the team for the forthcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies," stated the cricket board in a press release.
"Toby Radford is a prominent Welsh cricket coach and former first-class player who represented Middlesex and Sussex. Known for his credentials as an ECB Level 4 certified coach, he brings a wealth of coaching experience to the position. Currently, he is the head coach of the Dhaka Capitals in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2026," the ACB noted in their announcement.
"Robert Ahmun, from Cardiff, Wales, is a distinguished strength and conditioning expert. He recently held the position of head of performance science and medicine for the England and Wales Cricket Board, a role he assumed in December 2022, managing the physical and medical support for England’s national cricket teams," they added.
Afghanistan is placed in Pool D for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, along with New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. Their first match is scheduled against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
In the previous 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan gained significant attention by reaching their first semi-final, where they were eliminated by South Africa.
Point of View
The Afghanistan Cricket Board's recent appointment of Toby Radford as batting coach reflects a forward-thinking approach, aiming to bolster the team's performance on the global stage. With such pivotal decisions, the ACB is showing its commitment to enhancing its cricketing infrastructure and preparing effectively for international competitions.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Toby Radford?
Toby Radford is a Welsh cricket coach and former first-class cricketer known for his extensive coaching experience and ECB Level 4 certification.
What does the appointment of Radford mean for Afghanistan's cricket team?
Radford's appointment is expected to enhance the batting skills of the national team as they prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
When does the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 start?
The tournament begins on February 7, 2026.
Who else was appointed alongside Radford?
Robert Ahmun was also appointed as the new strength and conditioning trainer.
What was Afghanistan's performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup?
Afghanistan reached their first semi-final in the 2024 T20 World Cup but were defeated by South Africa.
