Rashid Latif explained that Younis Khan chose to mentor Afghanistan over Pakistan due to a lack of financial incentives. After Pakistan’s poor performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, Younis’s decision to work with Afghanistan coincided with their remarkable success in the tournament. As Afghanistan looks forward to the semifinals, this move highlights both the financial aspects of cricket and the team’s advancement in the international arena.
Rashid Latif, former captain of Pakistan’s cricket team, disclosed that renowned batsman Younis Khan opted to mentor the Afghanistan cricket team over his own country due to a lack of financial incentives. This decision came after Pakistan’s dismal performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, where they were eliminated in the group stage following two defeats and a washed-out match. In contrast, Afghanistan remained competitive and reached a critical stage in the tournament, prompting Younis’s choice.
Younis Khan joined the Afghanistan coaching staff in preparation for the eight-team tournament, collaborating with head coach Jonathan Trott, who has led the team to significant victories in recent years. His mentorship was instrumental in Afghanistan’s impressive performance against England, where they scored 325 runs and secured a narrow victory by eight runs. This match illustrated the progress Afghanistan has made in international cricket.
While Afghanistan’s batting lineup displayed poise and skill against formidable opposition, Pakistan’s approach was lackluster. The Pakistani team struggled in their opening matches against New Zealand and India, being unable to chase a target of 321 and ultimately falling short while defending a modest total of 242. Latif expressed that Younis Khan’s decision to work with Afghanistan stemmed from financial considerations, stating, “Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here.”
In defense of Younis’s appointment, Naseeb Khan, the chief executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), emphasized the importance of having an experienced mentor from the host nation during the tournament. He stated that the team had previously reaped the benefits of guidance from mentors associated with host countries during significant events, such as the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan is aiming to make history with a potential berth in the semifinals of the Champions Trophy, having won one match and lost another. Their final group match against Australia will be decisive, as they must either secure a victory or hope for favorable conditions to progress. Despite the threat of rain potentially disrupting their plans, they remain hopeful of achieving a historic milestone in their Champions Trophy debut.
In summary, Rashid Latif revealed that Younis Khan’s choice to mentor Afghanistan over Pakistan was largely influenced by financial considerations, particularly following Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy 2025. Younis’s involvement has proven beneficial for Afghanistan, culminating in a significant victory against England. As they strive for success in their next match against Australia, Afghanistan’s potential progression to the semifinals highlights the strides they have made in international cricket. Younis’s decision appears to reflect both strategic mentorship opportunities and a contrast in the financial dynamics within the two national teams.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
