Gulf veterans have made blockbuster changes in their coaching setup before the fourth season of the International League T20 (LT20) in UAE. In a bold step, Gulf veterans have signed former England star Jonathan Trot as their new head coach before ILT20 2026.
In addition to Trot, also planted in franchise New Zealand Legend Shane Bond as a bowling coach. The appointment of Jonathan Trot, who is also the head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team, was seen as a masterstroke by the franchise for the next season.
Jonathan Trot and Shane Bond LT20 join the Gulf Veterans of 2026
Trott and Shane replaced two of the successful coaches Andy Flower and Otis Gibson of the cricket world among the Gulf Veterans. Meanwhile, South African player Andrew Putic is signed as a batting coach, while Jim Trooton is named as a fielding coach by Gulf Giants.
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Thanks, coach!
For victory, knowledge and professionalism. You have left a permanent mark. Best wishes to you in your next chapter!#Gulfgiants #bring it on #Adani pic.twitter.com/ey0dsp1xz8
– Gulf Giants@(@Gulfgiants) August 25, 2025
Fitness Guru Nikl Lee has joined the new coaching staff as a fitness coach before ILT20 2026. While the player’s auction is scheduled for September 30 in Dubai, the league will be played in UAE from December 2, 2025 to 4, 2026.
Jonathan Trot and Shane Bond set a bold plan for Gulf veterans
A new chapter begins! To present our coaching staff for the upcoming season.
They are bringing experience, vision and passion to the legendary family.#Gulfgiants #bring it on #Adani #ILT20 pic.twitter.com/8VGFXWZC1P
– Gulf Giants@(@Gulfgiants) August 25, 2025
Speaking on his latest job, the former England batsman said he focuses on the construction of a strong squad as the franchise is ready for the ILT20 auction for the first time.
Jonathan Trot said in a statement, “Gulf giants have quickly become one of the most successful teams of LT20. My goal is to help players to excel players and shape a championship -winning squad through the ILT20 auction for the first time.”
On the other hand, Shane Bond is ready to bring his expertise for giants, with a strong attention on strengthening its bowling unit. Their purpose is to prepare an attack that can give the match winning performance in the tournament. He said, “The team’s ambition is clear. I am excited to intensify my bowling attack and make a decisive impact this season.”
Gulf veteran eye redemption in ILT20 2026
The target is for a strong return in ILT20 2026 after signing the Bay veterans like world class players. Moin AliAzmatullah Omrajai, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He has already retained James Vince, Ion Khan, Mark Adar, Ashirwad Mujarabani and Gerhard Erasmus.
The veterans won their journey in style by winning the first edition of the ILT20 in 2023. But since then, they have been struggling, facing defeat in Qualifier 2 in 2024 and ending near the bottom early this year in the T20 tournament.
Also read: Jose Butler shocked the shocking MS Dhoni as he chooses the world’s best wicketkeeper.
Jonathan Trot and Shane Bond coaching stents
In particular, Trott has a rich experience of coaching in various roles with SA20, England, England U19 team, England Lions, Scotland, Warvickshire and Kent in various roles. Under his coaching, reached Afghanistan semi -finals T20 World Cup For the first time last year.
Bond is also a successful coach who has worked as New Zealand bowling coach and Mumbai Indians, Brisbane Heat’s assistant coach, head coach of Sydney Thunder and assistant coach of Rajasthan Royals in IPL and assistant coach of fast bowling coaches.
Also read: AB de Villiers officially declares RCB ready for coach in IPL 2026
