Follow UsGulf Giants have unveiled a revamped coaching setup ahead of the upcoming International League T20 (ILT20) season, appointing Jonathan Trott as head coach and Shane Bond as bowling coach. The duo replaces RCB's IPL 2025-winning coach Andy Flower and Ottis Gibson, who parted ways with the franchise after last season.
Alongside Trott and Bond, the Giants have confirmed Andrew Puttick as batting coach and Nick Lee as Strength & Conditioning Coach, while Jamie Troughton will take charge of the fielding unit.
Trott, who is currently the head coach of Afghanistan’s men’s national team, brings a wealth of experience. He previously coached the Pretoria Capitals in SA20, before being recently replaced by former India captain Sourav Ganguly.
“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,” said Trott.
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond also expressed his excitement about joining the setup. “The team’s ambition is clear. I’m excited to sharpen our bowling attack and make a decisive impact this season."
Puttick, a seasoned coach with stints in Afghanistan, South Africa, and Pakistan, will take care of the batting department, while Lee adds international fitness expertise from his time with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
The Giants, who lifted the inaugural ILT20 title, endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, failing to reach the playoffs. For the new season, they have retained Aayan Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, and Mark Adair, while signing Moeen Ali, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to bolster their squad.
The ILT20 2026 auction will take place on September 30 in Dubai, with the six-team tournament scheduled to run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring a total of 34 matches.