Afghan players know things are 'not correct' - Trott

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Trott has been the head coach for Afghanistan since 2022 but continues to reside in Birmingham. He journeys to meet the players when they gather for training camps in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which serves as their primary training ground and hosts numerous matches.

Most of the players are based in Afghanistan and participate in local domestic cricket competitions.

Under the Taliban regime, there has been a crackdown on rights for women. Access to parks and universities has been restricted for women. The Taliban has also intruded into the homes of female athletes, prompting many women cricketers to escape Afghanistan for their own safety.

Several prominent male players from Afghanistan, including renowned leg-spinner Rashid Khan, have publicly addressed these issues.

Despite the prohibition of the women’s team, the men's squad has been permitted to continue competing globally, which seemingly contradicts the regulations set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“These individuals exhibit great courage,” Trott expressed. “They are aware of right and wrong. It is indeed a challenging circumstance for them.

“They understand whom they are playing for and whom they are representing.

“We strive diligently to bring happiness to the country, and the players are passionate, courageous, and proud to do so, fully recognizing that certain matters are not just.”

When asked if his team could instigate change within Afghanistan, Trott replied, “I am uncertain, but I hope it could.

“This team possesses that potential right now.”

The Afghan women cricketers who sought refuge in Australia played a match there the previous month. They expressed their pride in the men’s team but emphasized their desire for equal treatment.

In January, a bipartisan letter signed by nearly 200 UK legislators was sent to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), urging them to decline to participate in an upcoming match.

The ECB has been vocal about its discontent with the ICC’s response, urging a coordinated approach. However, when no unified action was taken, they consented to the match proceeding.

Trott hails from South Africa, which faced a prohibition from international sports due to the apartheid system. In contrast, the ICC maintains that the Afghanistan team should not be penalized for the actions of their government.

“I understand the global concern,” Trott remarked. “I share that concern. I have daughters who play cricket.

“I take pride in my origins and in the positive changes made for the betterment of all. I hope to witness similar progress in Afghanistan one day.”

Following losses to Australia and South Africa respectively, both England and Afghanistan will likely need to secure victories in their final matches to reach the semi-finals.

England is anticipated to implement one change for the match on Wednesday in Lahore after bowler Brydon Carse was sidelined from the tournament due to a toe injury.

Rehan Ahmed has been called upon to replace him, but the leg-spinner is not set to arrive in Pakistan until Wednesday, making Jamie Overton the probable substitute for Carse.