Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed that they have reappointed John Mooney in the role of fielding coach for the UAE T20I tri-series tournament next month. The tri-nation fixture for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the UAE, will conclude on August 29, 2025. Mooney will also be involved as a part of the backroom staff for the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, which will be held on September 9.
John Mooney’s Coaching Journey with Afghanistan
This is the second spell for John Mooney as Afghanistan’s fielding coach. He had earlier also been the team’s fielding coach from 2018 to 2019, with particular distinction being when Afghanistan made their historic Test debut in India.
Mooney was also employed by the West Indies men’s national team in 2019 and has had an association with the Ireland women’s team in an interim coaching role since the early part of 2025.
Mooney’s Playing Career and Coaching Credentials
In his playing career, Mooney was a left-handed batsman of great energy and a medium-pace right-arm bowler. He played for Ireland in 64 ODIs and 27 T20Is between 2006 and 2015, appearing in three ODI World Cups (2007, 2011, and 2015) and two T20 World Cups (2009 and 2010).
One of his career highlights was during the 2011 World Cup, when he hit the winning runs against England in Bengaluru, creating one of Ireland’s greatest cricketing shocks.
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After retiring in 2015, Mooney took his coaching career to the next level by acquiring Level 1, 2, and 3 certification from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Nirmalan Thanabalasingam Appointed as New Physiotherapist
In addition to Mooney’s new appointment, Nirmalan Thanabalasingam has also been appointed the Afghan national team’s new physiotherapist. He comes with a rich profile of experience as he has worked with top-level teams like the Desert Vipers (ILT20), Sri Lanka Cricket, Cricket New South Wales, and various T20 franchises like Rangpur Riders, Montreal Tigers, and Sydney Thunder.
Training Camp Underway in Abu Dhabi
The Afghanistan team is busy attending an intense training and conditioning camp in Abu Dhabi to prepare for the UAE tri-series and the Asia Cup. With the inclusion of experienced professionals such as John Mooney as fielding coach, the team wants to hone its skills and gain momentum before two crucial international competitions.
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Key Takeaways:
John Mooney is once again serving as Afghanistan’s fielding coach after previously serving from 2018-2019.
The team is preparing for the UAE Tri-Series scheduled for Aug 29 and T20 Asia Cup beginning on Sept 9.
Mooney’s international experience and coaching ability will provide a boost to Afghanistan’s fielders.
A new physiotherapist Nirmalan Thanabalasingam joins the support staff.
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