Afghanistan Ropes in Ireland’s John Mooney as Fielding Coach
In a significant move ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan has appointed former Ireland allrounder John Mooney as their new fielding coach. Mooney joined the Afghanistan training camp on August 27, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise that is expected to bolster the team’s preparations for the upcoming tournament.
Mooney, a stalwart of the Irish cricket team, is best known for his role in Ireland’s historic win over England in the 2011 ICC World Cup. As a left-arm medium-pace bowler, he took 3/41 in that match, helping Ireland to notch a stunning upset victory. With 230 wickets in 246 ODIs, Mooney is one of the most successful bowlers in Irish cricket history.
The appointment of Mooney as fielding coach comes as a significant boost to Afghanistan’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2025. The tournament is set to kick off on September 9, with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in their opening match in Abu Dhabi. With Mooney on board, Afghanistan’s players can look forward to receiving expert guidance on the finer points of fielding, an area where they have often struggled in the past.
Afghanistan’s fielding has been a concern for the team, with dropped catches and misfields often proving costly in crucial matches. With Mooney’s expertise, the team can expect to see significant improvements in this area, which could make all the difference in their bid for success in the Asia Cup.
Mooney’s appointment is also a testament to the growing ties between Afghanistan and Ireland, two countries that have developed a strong cricketing relationship in recent years. In 2017, Afghanistan and Ireland played a bilateral series, with the teams also competing in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers and the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers.
Mooney’s experience of playing at the highest level will undoubtedly be an asset to the Afghanistan team. As a player, he represented Ireland in 245 ODIs, as well as 33 T20Is and 23 Tests. He has also played in several major tournaments, including the ICC World Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the ICC World Twenty20.
In his new role, Mooney will work closely with the Afghanistan coaching staff, led by head coach Simon Cook. Cook has been at the helm of the Afghanistan team since 2018 and has overseen significant progress in the team’s fortunes. Under his guidance, Afghanistan has qualified for the ICC World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy, and has also won several major tournaments, including the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers.
With Mooney on board, Afghanistan’s players can expect to receive top-class coaching and guidance. The former Ireland allrounder’s expertise will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the team as they prepare to take on the best teams in the world in the Asia Cup 2025.
In conclusion, the appointment of John Mooney as Afghanistan’s new fielding coach is a significant move that is expected to have a major impact on the team’s performance in the Asia Cup 2025. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Mooney is well-equipped to guide the Afghanistan team to improved fielding standards, which could prove to be the difference between success and failure in the tournament.
