Afghanistan Coach Jonathan Trott's Asia Cup Gaffe: Hilariously Declares Bangladesh Past Champions

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott provided some unexpected entertainment in the pre-match press conference ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 clash with Bangladesh on Tuesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. When asked if Bangladesh would be under pressure, Trott confidently replied that they would be—before adding a twist.

According to him, Bangladesh had already won the Asia Cup.

“Yes, I think Bangladesh will be under pressure, but if you look at history, they’ve won this competition a few times, the Asia Cup,” Trott said, sounding every bit the history teacher.

Except they haven’t.

A journalist quickly pointed out that Bangladesh have never lifted the trophy, prompting Trott to repeatedly ask, “Are you sure?” as if he’d just been told the Earth is flat.

Even Afghanistan’s media manager had to step in, though Trott initially refused to budge, insisting, “I thought they won the 50-over Asia Cup!”

Eventually, after doing what every coach fears most—Googling his own press conference—Trott sheepishly admitted, “I really thought they were champions.”

Bangladesh reached their first Asia Cup final in 2012, where they lost to Pakistan by just two runs. In 2016, they made the final of the T20 edition but were beaten by India. Two years later, in 2018, India once again denied them the title in a last-ball thriller at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

‘Bangladesh have match-winners’

Away from the slip-up, Trott praised Bangladesh for having genuine match-winners in their side. He also said that the seven-day break after Afghanistan’s win over Hong Kong in the tournament opener would benefit his team.

“I think Bangladesh have players who are real match-winners. That makes this a great challenge for us and a good test tomorrow. I’m actually quite happy with this break. It has helped us recharge mentally and physically, especially after playing in this extreme heat. This is a good chance for us to reset, see where we are, and start again,” Trott added.

Afghanistan will secure a place in the Super Four with a win in their next game. Bangladesh, however, are not assured of qualification yet and will have to wait for the outcome of the Afghanistan–Sri Lanka clash, where net run rate could determine their fate.