"Learned a few words and phrases" - Jonathan Trott opens up on learning Pashto phrases for communicating effectively with Afghanistan players
Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has admitted that team meetings take slightly longer due to the language barrier between him and the players. However, the former England Test cricketer has still learned a few Pashto words and phrases to make communication easier.
Trott, who became the head coach of Afghanistan in July 2022, has done a commendable job thus far. The 43-year-old oversaw their stunning performance in the 2023 World Cup, where Afghanistan defeated the likes of England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands. They are also unbeaten so far in T20 World Cup 2024.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Trott said:
"I've learned a few words and phrases [of Pashto] but I get stuff translated. Team meetings take a little bit longer, but it's something I've learned as well: that art of communication."
With the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, Trott claimed that he tried to keep the cricketers' attention away from it as much as possible.
"I try not to get involved in that side of things and to keep it away from the players. Everyone's got their own ideas, but I keep everything about cricket. If there's something that needs attention - like during the [50-over] World Cup, there was the earthquake - then everyone is focused on that and donations to charity, and that's great," he said.
The Cape Town-born former batter understands how painful it might be for players to remember some of the experiences, but is proud of them for emerging well out of those.
"But otherwise, I try to keep the attention here and keep all the political distraction away. You speak to a lot of the guys about growing up and they don't need to be reminded of things. There are some stories which make me feel very lucky with the upbringing I had and the opportunities I was afforded… I find it remarkable, these players' upbringing and to play at the level they are now. It's truly mind-blowing," Trott added.
The Taliban's governance has seen Cricket Australia refuse to arrange bilateral series with the men's team due to restrictions on women's employment opportunities and freedom. The England Cricket Board (ECB) has taken a similar stance.
"Hopefully, we are starting to see what we can achieve" - Jonathan Trott
Trott admitted that some areas of their batting still need some refining, but trusts that they are starting to see their best version.
"We're blessed, and maybe ahead of the curve in some ways. But there are some areas of our batting that we may need to work on and that haven't been coached as much at a young level as they would be in a more developed Test nation. Hopefully, we are starting to see what we can achieve," he said.
With Afghanistan not playing top-tier teams that regularly, the former Warwickshire cricketer reckons it works to their advantage.
"We don't have that experience of playing the major, powerhouse nations - but I think that works in our favour. When you play against the same opposition all the time, you can line them up a bit. They've played against some of our guys in franchise cricket, but as a collective group, it's a different story," he adeed.
Afghanistan will face Papua New Guinea in their next T20 World Cup 2024 game on Friday, June 14.