Afghanistan Cricket Team Welcomes Toby Radford as New Batting Coach Ahead of T20 World Cup

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has announced the appointment of Toby Radford as the national team's batting coach in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Radford, a former first-class cricketer and experienced coach, will replace Andrew Puttick. Alongside him, Robert Ahmun has been appointed as the new strength and conditioning trainer. Both will join the team for their upcoming T20I series against the West Indies. Afghanistan is set to compete in Pool D of the World Cup, with their first match against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 17:27 IST

New Coaching Appointments for Afghanistan Ahead of T20 World Cup

Kabul: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has bolstered its coaching team in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by appointing Toby Radford as the batting coach. The tournament is set to kick off on February 7 in the subcontinent.

Radford takes over from Andrew Puttick in this role. The former first-class cricketer is anticipated to join the Afghanistan team during their upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies.

Additionally, Robert Ahmun has been named the new strength and conditioning trainer, set to join the squad prior to their last T20I series before the World Cup. Both coaches have been contracted for a year.

The ACB expressed its satisfaction with the appointments, stating, "We are pleased to announce Toby Radford as the National Team’s Batting Coach and Robert Ahmun as the new Strength and Conditioning Trainer. They will both join the squad for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies."

Toby Radford, a respected Welsh cricket coach and former player for Middlesex and Sussex, is recognized for his qualifications as an ECB Level 4 certified coach. He currently serves as the head coach for the Dhaka Capitals in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2026.

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, overseeing the physical training and medical services for England’s national teams.

In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan is placed in Pool D alongside New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. Their first match is scheduled against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.

During the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan made headlines by reaching their first semi-final, where they were defeated by South Africa.