Richard Pybus Takes Charge of Afghanistan's Month-Long Training Camp in Kabul Ahead of India Series
Synopsis
Afghanistan's national cricket team gears up for a crucial series against India with new head coach Richard Pybus leading a training camp in Kabul. Set to enhance skills and strategies, the camp aims for a successful outing in June.
Key Takeaways
Richard Pybus has taken over as the head coach of Afghanistan.
A month-long training camp is set to start in Kabul to prepare for the series against India .
Approximately 40 players will participate in this training initiative.
The series includes a Test match and a three-match ODI series in June.
There are talks for a future T20I series in 2026.
Kabul, April 11 (NationPress) The newly-appointed Afghanistan head coach, Richard Pybus, arrived in the capital on Saturday to oversee a month-long training camp focused on enhancing skills in preparation for the upcoming series against India scheduled for June.
Pybus, who succeeds Jonathan Trott, was welcomed by Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), upon his arrival in Kabul. During their meeting, Khan discussed the ACB's strategic objectives and expressed high hopes for the national team's future as Pybus embarks on his new role.
In his first visit to Kabul, Pybus engaged with officials from the Selection Committee, as well as the International and Domestic Cricket departments, and the High-Performance Centre, as stated by the ACB on the social media platform X.
National captains Hashmatullah Shahidi and Ibrahim Zadran participated in discussions that centered on the forthcoming series against India and strategic planning for the training schedule. The training camp is set to begin on Sunday, lasting until May 16.
The ACB announced that this month-long training initiative will involve nearly 40 Afghan players, conducted under the direct oversight of the High-Performance Centre and in the presence of the new Head Coach.
“During this timeframe, the AfghanAtalan will engage in intensive preparation for their eagerly awaited Test match and a three-match ODI series against India,” the ACB added.
Afghanistan's tour in India will kick off with a one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will host its first-ever red-ball international match.
This encounter marks only the second Test match between the two nations, with their previous clash in the longest format dating back to 2018 in Bengaluru, where Afghanistan made its debut. Following the Test, a three-match ODI series is scheduled in Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai on June 14, 17, and 20.
Furthermore, it has been reported that the ACB and BCCI are in discussions regarding a potential three-match T20I series that could take place in Afghanistan later in the UAE in 2026.
Point of View
The arrival of Richard Pybus as head coach signifies a new chapter for Afghanistan cricket. His leadership at the month-long training camp is a critical step towards enhancing the team's performance on the international stage, especially in light of the upcoming series against India.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head coach of Afghanistan's cricket team?
The new head coach is Richard Pybus, who recently replaced Jonathan Trott.
When is the series against India scheduled?
The series against India is scheduled for June.
What is the focus of the month-long training camp?
The training camp focuses on skill development and preparation for the series against India.
Where will the one-off Test match take place?
The one-off Test match will be held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
Is there a possibility of a T20I series in the future?
Yes, discussions are ongoing between the ACB and BCCI regarding a potential T20I series to be hosted in Afghanistan later in the UAE in 2026.
