Former England batter Jonathan Trott has been named Afghanistan head coach, replacing Graham Thorpe.
Thorpe was appointed back in March, having left his role as England's assistant coach in February following the Ashes. However, before he was able to join up with Afghanistan, Thorpe fell "seriously ill" and was hospitalised.
The Professional Cricketers' Association released a statement on behalf of Thorpe's family in early May which read: "Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment.
"His prognosis is unclear at this stage and we ask for privacy for him and his family at this time. Our thoughts are with Graham and his family." In Thorpe's absence, Raees Khan Ahmadzai stepped in as interim coach but Trott has now been named as a permanent replacement.
The 41-year-old scored 3,835 runs at an average of 44.08 in 52 Test matches for England and has worked as a coach with Warwickshire, Kent, Scotland and England since his retirement in 2018.
He will take charge of the side for the first time next month when Afghanistan travel to Ireland for a five match T20I series.
"I'm honoured and excited to have the opportunity to take one of international cricket's most exciting teams through what is a huge year for their development as a team." Trott said.
"I also believe that Afghanistan has proved to be a hot-bed of talent, and has produced players capable of playing the game in their own style and with unrivalled passion.
"I can't wait to get to work with a group of players who are clearly capable of generating results in a style that will make the people of Afghanistan proud."
