Is Afghanistan eyeing changes in leadership? The question is buzzing in Afghanistan's cricketing circles after their exit from the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, with Rashid Khan failing to take the team deep into consecutive global events. They were also unable to reach the second round of the T20 Asia Cup in Dubai.

Rashid, one of Afghanistan's most prominent cricketers and a leading T20 bowler in the world, was first appointed Afghanistan's T20I captain in 2019. He stepped down ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup over selection disagreements before resuming the role, replacing Mohammad Nabi after the latter stepped down following Afghanistan's campaign in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

The ACB appointed Rashid with high hopes, believing he would take the team to greater heights in global events after some strong performances leading up to them.

While many pundits feel Afghanistan are among the best T20 sides in the world, their performances in ACC and ICC events have hardly justified that tag. The board has already initiated wholesale changes in the team management, appointing Toby Radford as batting coach ahead of the World Cup and bringing in Richard Pybus in place of long-serving Jonathan Trott following their exit from the T20 World Cup.

Trott's departure was not unexpected, considering he had issues with the board for some time. It was more or less on the cards that he would leave sooner rather than later.

Whether a similar change in leadership will follow remains to be seen. According to ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan, there is a possibility, though no final decision has been taken.

"We are currently considering reforms within the team," Naseeb told Cricbuzz.

"If you are building a team for the future, changes are inevitable. We have already changed the head coach, batting coach, and trainer, and similar adjustments will also be made within the team.

"However, no final decision has been made regarding the captains yet, so I cannot say at this stage whether they will be changed or retained."

Earlier, Afghanistan's new head coach Richard Pybus told Cricbuzz that he does not have any problem working in Afghanistan. His appointment appears to signal a fresh approach, considering foreign coaches were previously engaged primarily ahead of international assignments.

Naseeb confirmed that Pybus is expected to join the team following the white-ball series against Sri Lanka, scheduled in Dubai and Sharjah from March.

"After the Sri Lanka series, he (Pybus) will come to Afghanistan. We are planning to introduce a new management team for the HPC," he said.

"We want to start preparations from now for the 2027 and 2028 World Cups, and also bring Afghanistan's domestic talent to the international stage," he added.

While Naseeb expects Pybus to come in after the Sri Lanka series, he sounded cautious about the future of the tour due to the prevailing geo-political climate, which has left the UAE in a vulnerable position.

"Yes, I am in Dubai for this purpose to finalise the logistics and other preparations for the series," Naseeb said.

"If the situation becomes normal, we will definitely proceed with it," he added.

For the first time, Afghanistan will host Sri Lanka for a multi-format white-ball series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is in the UAE from March 13 to 25.

The T20I leg will be played in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17, while the ODIs will be held in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25.

The ACB is keen to get the ball rolling as soon as possible, with an eye on having a settled unit before their India tour in June. For now, all eyes are on the fate of the Sri Lanka series, which could turn out to be a dress rehearsal for a new captain should Rashid eventually have to pave the way for the next leader.