John Mooney: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has brought back a familiar face to strengthen their support staff. Former Ireland allrounder John Mooney has been named Afghanistan’s new fielding coach, just in time for the upcoming T20I tri-series in the UAE and the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. Alongside Mooney, the team has also appointed Nirmalan Thanabalasingam as physiotherapist, adding further expertise to their backroom setup.
Mooney’s Return to Afghanistan Cricket
For Afghanistan, this is not Mooney’s first stint. He previously worked with the side as fielding coach between 2018 and 2019, a significant period in the team’s history. It was during that time that Afghanistan played their inaugural Test match against India in Bengaluru, marking their entry into the elite red-ball arena.
The 43-year-old Irishman is no stranger to high-pressure roles. After his first tenure with Afghanistan, Mooney went on to join the West Indies men’s side in 2019 as a fielding coach and most recently served as interim coach for the Ireland women’s team in early 2025.
What makes Mooney’s return so valuable is his deep understanding of Afghanistan’s cricket culture and the unique challenges the team faces. Having already built relationships with players in his earlier spell, he is expected to seamlessly integrate into the current setup.
A Distinguished Playing Career
Before turning to coaching, Mooney enjoyed a decorated career with Ireland.
- International Career Span: 2006–2015
- ODIs: 64 matches
- T20Is: 27 matches
- World Cups Played: Three ODI World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015) and two T20 World Cups (2009, 2010)
One of his most memorable moments came during the 2011 ODI World Cup, when he struck the winning runs in Ireland’s famous victory over England in Bengaluru — one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
A left-handed batter and right-arm medium-pacer, Mooney was known for his versatility and fighting spirit. Following his retirement in 2015, he completed multiple coaching certifications under the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), including Level 1, 2, and 3 badges, demonstrating his commitment to building a professional coaching career.
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Strengthening Support Staff: The Arrival of Thanabalasingam
Along with Mooney’s appointment, Afghanistan have secured the services of Nirmalan Thanabalasingam as the team’s new physiotherapist. His credentials are equally impressive.
- IL-T20 Experience: Team physiotherapist for Desert Vipers since 2020.
- Sri Lanka Cricket: Worked as high-performance training and rehabilitation manager from 2017 to 2018.
- Global Exposure: Has served with Cricket New South Wales (Australia), Rangpur Riders (Bangladesh Premier League), Montreal Tigers (Global T20 Canada), ICC World XI, Sydney Thunder (Big Bash League), and West Harbour Rugby Union Club.
Thanabalasingam’s diverse experience across multiple cricketing environments ensures Afghanistan will have world-class medical and fitness support heading into two major tournaments.
Preparation for a Big Season
Afghanistan are currently running an intensive training camp in Abu Dhabi as they prepare for back-to-back tournaments. The UAE T20I tri-series, beginning August 29, will see Afghanistan take on Pakistan and hosts UAE in a week-long competition. This will act as a perfect dress rehearsal for the Asia Cup, starting September 9, where Afghanistan will lock horns with some of the biggest names in world cricket.
The tri-series fixtures in Sharjah will give Afghanistan not only a chance to fine-tune their playing XI but also an opportunity for Mooney and Thanabalasingam to settle into their roles and establish working rhythms with the squad.
Why These Appointments Matter
Fielding has often been a deciding factor in modern T20 cricket. Teams that save 10–15 runs in the field frequently end up on the winning side. With Afghanistan boasting world-class spinners like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, sharp fielding support can amplify their effectiveness. Mooney’s job will be to raise standards in this area, minimizing lapses and maximizing pressure on opponents.
Similarly, player fitness and recovery are crucial in tournaments with packed schedules. Thanabalasingam’s background in both cricket and rugby means Afghanistan players will have access to high-performance injury prevention methods and cutting-edge rehabilitation programs.
Looking Ahead
The return of John Mooney signals Afghanistan’s intent to take their fielding to the next level, while the appointment of Nirmalan Thanabalasingam reflects their commitment to professionalism and player well-being.
With the tri-series and Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, Afghanistan are clearly strengthening all aspects of their game, both on and off the field. For a side known for its fearless cricket, these behind-the-scenes reinforcements could make the difference between being competitive and becoming champions.
As Mooney himself knows from his time with Ireland, underdog teams can script cricket’s most unforgettable moments. Afghanistan, with their talent and growing support system, may be on the verge of creating a few of their own in 2025.
