Afghanistan Appoint Former Ireland Allrounder John Mooney as Fielding Coach

Afghanistan cricket has turned to an experienced international campaigner to bolster their backroom staff, bringing in former Ireland allrounder John Mooney as their new fielding coach. The appointment comes as part of Afghanistan’s continued efforts to strengthen their support team and improve standards in a department that has often proved decisive in tight international contests.

Mooney, who represented Ireland across formats between 2001 and 2015, brings with him a wealth of playing and coaching experience. Known during his playing days for his commitment, athleticism, and all-round skill set, Mooney was one of Ireland’s most reliable performers during their rise as a competitive associate nation. His contributions with both bat and ball were significant, but it was his sharpness in the field and professionalism that stood out — qualities Afghanistan will be eager to draw upon.

Since retiring from international cricket, Mooney has transitioned into coaching, working with a variety of teams at grassroots and professional levels. His focus on discipline, intensity, and match awareness in the field has earned him praise as a coach who not only improves players technically but also instills confidence and energy in the squad.

For Afghanistan, the move signals a clear intention to continue their evolution as a force in world cricket. While their batting and spin bowling have often taken the spotlight, fielding remains a crucial area where gains can translate into match-defining moments. With major international assignments and global tournaments ahead, the addition of Mooney is expected to provide much-needed structure and expertise.

Speaking on his appointment, Mooney expressed his enthusiasm for the role and praised Afghanistan’s progress on the world stage. “This is an exciting opportunity,” he noted. “Afghanistan has already shown they can compete with the very best, and I look forward to helping the players take their fielding standards to the next level.”

As Afghanistan prepare for their upcoming fixtures, Mooney’s influence will be closely watched. His arrival is not just about improving catches or stopping runs; it represents a step towards building a more complete and professional setup — one capable of matching the top cricketing nations in every aspect of the game.