Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz Signs for Pretoria Capitals in SA20 2025

Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz Signs for Pretoria Capitals in SA20 2025

Pretoria Capitals, the South African franchise in the SA20 league, have bolstered their squad for the 2025 season by signing Afghanistan’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The 22-year-old will reunite with Jonathan Trott, who was recently appointed as Capitals’ head coach after guiding Afghanistan to their maiden World Cup semi-final earlier this year.

Gurbaz, a T20 globetrotter, brings a wealth of experience to the Capitals. He has played for various franchises around the world, including the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, where he scored 146 runs in eight innings. He also has IPL experience, having won the title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023.

Gurbaz’s T20I form is equally impressive. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2024 T20 World Cup, amassing 281 runs in eight innings at an average of 35.12 and a strike rate of 124.33. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary with ease make him a valuable asset to any team.

Gurbaz will join a star-studded Capitals squad that includes Wayne Parnell, Will Jacks, Rilee Rossouw, Jimmy Neesham, Anrich Nortje, and Ollie Pope. With such a formidable lineup, the Capitals will be among the favorites to lift the SA20 trophy in 2025.

England Eyes IPL Reunion with Sangakkara as White-Ball Head Coach Candidate

England Eyes IPL Reunion with Sangakkara as White-Ball Head Coach Candidate

The England cricket team is reportedly considering a major shake-up in its coaching department, with the departure of current white-ball head coach Matthew Mott expected next week. As England seeks to regain its dominance in limited-overs cricket, it is eyeing a high-profile addition to its coaching staff.

Despite a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup and failure to reach the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, England is reportedly set to retain Jos Buttler as captain. However, Buttler’s Rajasthan Royals boss, Kumar Sangakkara, has emerged as a leading candidate for the head coach role.

According to The Telegraph UK, Sangakkara is among the favorites to replace Mott. The former Sri Lankan captain has served as Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals since 2021, guiding the franchise to the IPL final during his tenure.

Buttler has flourished under Sangakkara’s leadership at the Royals, and their familiarity could foster a strong bond at the helm of the England team. Other candidates reportedly in the running include former Australia batsman Michael Hussey and Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott.

Trott has led Afghanistan to significant achievements during his one-and-a-half-year tenure, including sixth place in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Hussey, meanwhile, is already familiar with the English dressing room, having served as their batting coach from 2022 to 2023.

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is reportedly unlikely to remain in contention for the head coach role. England has enjoyed success and adopted an aggressive approach in Test cricket under the coaching of Brendon McCullum. The new appointment will aim to replicate that success in white-ball cricket and restore England to the top of the limited-overs rankings.

Jonathan Trott Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals in SA20

Jonathan Trott Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals in SA20

Jonathan Trott, the former England batsman, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, replacing Graham Ford. Trott, who is currently the head coach of Afghanistan, will take over the reins of the Capitals ahead of the 2025 season.

Trott’s appointment comes after a successful stint with Afghanistan, where he has overseen a significant improvement in the team’s results. Under his guidance, Afghanistan has defeated top teams like Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in global events. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20I World Cup, losing to South Africa.

The Capitals, on the other hand, have had a disappointing second season in the SA20, winning only three matches and finishing fifth. They were losing finalists in the competition’s first edition in 2023 after topping the table.

Trott’s appointment is part of a broader shake-up at the Capitals, which also saw the departure of Ricky Ponting as head coach. Ponting had been with the Delhi franchise for seven years.

Trott’s decision to join the Capitals raises questions about his future with Afghanistan. His contract with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is due to expire in December, and it is unclear whether he will renew it.

If Trott does not renew his contract with the ACB, he could be in contention for the England limited-overs job. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to make a decision on the future of incumbent head coach Matthew Mott in the coming days.

Trott, who earned 127 caps for England, has previously coached on the pathway, both for the Under-19 and Lions teams. He is highly regarded as a coach and his appointment by the Capitals is a major coup for the franchise.

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