Former Ireland International John Mooney Returns to Afghanistan as Fielding Coach
After a six-year hiatus, John Mooney, a former Ireland international cricketer, is making a comeback to the Afghanistan national team set-up. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) recently announced Mooney’s appointment as the new fielding coach for the national team.
Mooney previously worked with Afghanistan from 2018 to 2019 and has now returned to fill the position left vacant by Shane McDermott, who is currently serving as the fielding coach for the Pakistan national cricket team. With a wealth of experience in international cricket, Mooney has represented Ireland in 91 international matches, including three ICC Cricket World Cups and two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups.
Extensive Coaching Credentials
Mooney’s coaching qualifications include Level 3, 2, and 1 Coaching Certificates from the England & Wales Cricket Board. In addition to his stint with Afghanistan, he has also worked with the West Indies team in 2019 and the Ireland women’s team since January of this year.
The ACB has also welcomed Australian Nirmalan Thanabalasingam as their new physiotherapist. Thanabalasingam brings a strong educational and professional background in physiotherapy and sports science to the team.
Professional Background of Nirmalan Thanabalasingam
Thanabalasingam completed his Master of Physiotherapy in 2010 and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise and Sports Science in 2008, both from the University of Sydney. He is a registered practitioner with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and an active member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
With a passion for sports injuries and exercise-based rehabilitation, Thanabalasingam has served as the Senior Physiotherapist at Concord Sports Medicine since 2018. He has also worked internationally with teams such as the Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20) since 2020 and as the High-Performance Training & Rehabilitation Manager for Sri Lanka Cricket from March 2017 to June 2018.
His extensive experience includes roles with various elite sports organizations, such as Cricket NSW, Rangpur Riders (BPL), Montreal Tigers (GT20 – Canada), ICC World XI, Sydney Thunder (BBL), and the West Harbour Rugby Union Club.
Preparation for Upcoming Tournaments
Currently, the Afghanistan national team is undergoing a training and preparation camp in Abu Dhabi in anticipation of the upcoming tri-nation T20I series. The series will feature Pakistan and hosts UAE, as well as the ACC Men’s T20I Asia Cup 2025.
With the addition of John Mooney as the new fielding coach and Nirmalan Thanabalasingam as the physiotherapist, the Afghanistan national team is gearing up for success in the upcoming tournaments. Fans and cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how these new additions will positively impact the team’s performance on the field.
Impact of John Mooney’s Return
John Mooney’s return to the Afghanistan national team as the fielding coach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the squad. Having played at the highest level of international cricket, Mooney understands the demands and intricacies of the game, which he can now impart to the Afghan players. His previous stint with the team from 2018 to 2019 would have given him valuable insights into the players’ strengths and areas for improvement, allowing him to tailor his coaching strategies effectively.
As a former Ireland international with multiple ICC tournaments under his belt, Mooney’s presence can significantly boost the team’s morale and confidence. His coaching credentials, including the various coaching certificates earned from the England & Wales Cricket Board, showcase his dedication to honing his skills as a coach.
Physiotherapy Expertise of Nirmalan Thanabalasingam
With Nirmalan Thanabalasingam joining the Afghanistan national team as the new physiotherapist, the players can benefit from his extensive experience in sports science and physiotherapy. His academic qualifications and professional background make him well-equipped to handle the physical demands and injuries that can arise during rigorous cricket tournaments.
Thanabalasingam’s previous roles with elite sports organizations, both locally and internationally, demonstrate his versatility and adaptability in working with athletes from diverse backgrounds. His expertise in sports injuries and exercise-based rehabilitation can be instrumental in keeping the players fit and ready for the challenges ahead.
Training Camp in Abu Dhabi
The ongoing training camp in Abu Dhabi signifies the team’s dedication to preparing for the upcoming tournaments. As Afghanistan gears up to face Pakistan and UAE in the tri-nation T20I series, followed by the ACC Men’s T20I Asia Cup, the training camp serves as a crucial period for players to fine-tune their skills and strategies.
Under the guidance of John Mooney and Nirmalan Thanabalasingam, the players can focus on improving their fielding techniques, physical conditioning, and overall performance. The coaching staff’s expertise combined with the players’ hard work and determination bode well for Afghanistan’s prospects in the upcoming competitions.
Anticipation for Success
With the addition of John Mooney as the fielding coach and Nirmalan Thanabalasingam as the physiotherapist, the Afghanistan national team is poised for success in the forthcoming tournaments. Fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting the team’s performance on the field, hoping to see a positive impact from the new coaching staff.
As the players continue to train and prepare diligently in Abu Dhabi, the collective efforts of the coaching staff and the team members can lead to significant improvements in various aspects of their game. The combination of experience, expertise, and determination within the squad sets the stage for an exciting and competitive cricket season for Afghanistan.
