Afghanistan head coach Jonathon Trott has backed the senior men’s side to play many more bilateral series while adding that their first-ever bilateral series against India is a ‘step in the right direction.’

Afghanistan played a one-off Test match against India in 2018 and now the 2 teams are squaring off in a 3-match T20I series. India are leading the T20I series 1-0 against Afghanistan as the visitors suffered a six-wicket loss to the hosts in the series opener on January 11, Thursday. The next match will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 14, Sunday.

Ahead of the 2nd T20I match, Trott addressed the press conference and praised his team’s progress over the years to finally play a bilateral series against a cricketing giant like India.

“The bilateral series (against India) is a step in the right direction for our side. It’s an indication of the progress made by the side,” said Trott.

However, Trott feels that Afghanistan deserves to play bilateral series against other nations as well. Afghanistan are yet to face South Africa, Australia or England in bilateral matches.

”Hopefully, it can happen all over the world and not just in India. We want to play as many series as possible in other countries as well.”

Trott acknowledged that the Afghan players have experience of playing franchise cricket and have played against international stars across many leagues. However, he feels that the experience and exposure provided by a bilateral series is unmatched.

“The more cricket we play as a team, the better it is for us. The players will get more exposure. At the moment, their exposure is limited to franchise cricket. This is the first bilateral series against India, and it’s a big occasion for the side. Individually, the players have been around the world, but we hope to go to countries as a team,” Trott said.

Trott’s contract as the head coach of the team was extended for a year by the Afghanistan Cricket Board after his successful stint with the team. Afghanistan showcased their readiness to face bigger opposition with their successful ODI World Cup 2023 campaign.

They managed to beat former World Champions like Pakistan, Sri-Lanka and England and thrashed Netherlands and even came close to defeating the eventual champions Australia, before Maxwell produced one of the greatest knocks in white ball cricket. Afghanistan managed to win 4 out of the 10 matches to finish off in the 6th spot in the league stage.

The team will be playing against Sri Lanka, followed by Ireland in their preparations for the T20 World Cup, which begins from June 1.

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