Gulf Giants launch mass sacking after Jonathan Trott takes charge as head coach

Published - 25 Aug 2025, 04:42 PM | Updated - 25 Aug 2025, 05:39 PM

Jonathan Trott {PC:X}

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The Gulf Giants have made blockbuster changes to their coaching setup ahead of the fourth season of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE. In a bold move, the Gulf Giants have signed former England star Jonathan Trott as their new head coach ahead of the ILT20 2026.

Apart from Trott, the franchise also roped in the New Zealand legend Shane Bond as bowling coach. The appointment of Jonathan Trott, who is also the head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team, was seen as a masterstroke by the franchise for the next season.

Jonathan Trott and Shane Bond join the Gulf Giants ahaed of the ILT20 2026

Trott and Shane replaced two of the cricket world’s successful coaches, Andy Flower and Ottis Gibson, at the Gulf Giants. Meanwhile, South African player Andrew Puttick has been signed as batting coach, while Jim Troughton has been named as the fielding coach by Gulf Giants.

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Thank you, Coaches! 🙌

For the wins, the wisdom & the professionalism. You've left a lasting mark. Wishing you the best in your next chapter! 🧡#GulfGiants #BringItOn #Adani pic.twitter.com/ey0dsP1Xz8
— Gulf Giants 🦅 (@GulfGiants) August 25, 2025

Fitness guru Nick Lee has joined the new coaching staff as the fitness coach ahead of the ILT20 2026. While the player auction is set for September 30 in Dubai, the league will be played from December 2, 2025, to 4, 2026, in the UAE.

Jonathan Trott and Shane Bond set bold plans for the Gulf Giants

A new chapter begins! Presenting our coaching staff for the upcoming season. 🙌

They're bringing experience, vision, and passion to the Giants family. 🧡#GulfGiants #BringItOn #Adani #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/8vGfXWZc1P
— Gulf Giants 🦅 (@GulfGiants) August 25, 2025

Speaking on his latest job, the former England batter said that he is focused on building a strong squad as the franchise gears up for the first-ever ILT20 auction.

Jonathan Trott said in a statement, “The Gulf Giants have quickly become one of the ILT20's most successful teams. My goal is to empower players to excel and help shape a championship-winning squad through the first-ever ILT20 auction.”

On the other hand, Shane Bond is ready to bring his expertise to the Gulf Giants, with a strong focus on strengthening their bowling unit. His aim is to craft an attack that can deliver match-winning performances in the tournament. He stated, “The team's ambition is clear. I'm excited to sharpen our bowling attack and make a decisive impact this season.”

Gulf Giants eye redemption in ILT20 2026

The Gulf Giants are aiming for a strong comeback in the ILT20 2026 after signing world-class players like Moeen Ali, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. They have already retained James Vince, Aayan Khan, Mark Adair, Blessing Muzarabani, and Gerhard Erasmus.

The Giants started their journey in style by winning the first edition of the ILT20 in 2023. But since then, they have been struggling, suffering defeat in Qualifier 2 in 2024 and finishing near the bottom earlier this year in the T20 tournament.

Jonathan Trott and Shane Bond's coaching stints

Notably, Trott has the rich experience of coaching in different roles with Pretoria Capitals in SA20, England, the England U19 Team, the England Lions, Scotland, Warwickshire, and Kent. Under his coaching, Afghanistan reached the semifinal of the T20 World Cup for the first time last year.

Bond is also a successful coach, having served as the bowling coach of New Zealand and the Mumbai Indians, assistant coach of the Brisbane Heat, head coach of the Sydney Thunder and MI Emirates, assistant and fast bowling coach of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

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ILT20 Jonathan Trott Shane Bond Gulf Giants