The former Ireland international John Mooney has been appointed as Afghanistan’s Fielding coach, which was officially confirmed by the ACB on August 27.
This will be the second time he has been hired for the post after working between 2018 and 2019. He will be replacing the outgoing Shane McDermott, who currently works as the Pakistan national cricket as fielding coach.
John Mooney has represented Ireland in 91 international matches, including three ICC Cricket World Cups in 2007, 2011 and 2015, as well as two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups.
He also holds level 3,2, and 1 coaching certificates from the England and Wales Cricket Board. Apart from working with Afghanistan, Mooney has also worked with the West Indies in 2019, as well as the Irish women’s team since January this year.
The ACB have also roped in Australia Niramalan Thanabalasingam as their new physiotherapist.
Thanabalasingam brings with him a solid educational and professional background in physiotheraphy and sports science. He completed his Master of Physiotheraphy in 2010, following a Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise and Sports Science in 2008, both from the University of Sydney.
He is also registered practitioner with the Physiotheraphy Board of Australia and an active member of the Australian Physiotheraphy Association.
Thanabalasingam has a strongest interest in treating sports injuries and exercise-based rehabilitation. Since then 2018, he has served as the Senior Physiotherapist at Concord Sports medicine for the Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20) since 2020.
Previously, he has worked as the High performance Training & Rehabilitation Manager for Sri Lanka Cricket.
His extensive experience in the highest levels of elite sport also includes roles with Cricket NSW, Rangpur Riders (BPL), Montreal Tigers (GT20), ICC World Xl, Sydney Thunder (BBL), and the West Harbour Rugby Union Club.
Afghanistn are currently undergoing a training and preparation camp in Abu Dhabi as they prepare for the tri-nation series, which features Pakistan and UAE ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Afghanistan will play their opener match in the Asia Cup against Hong Kong on September 09 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
