Younis Khan is mentoring Afghanistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy after declining an offer from Pakistan. His guidance led to a significant victory over England, showcasing Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. The Afghanistan Cricket Board employs local mentors to enhance their performance in ICC events, building on past successes with other renowned cricketers.
Younis Khan is currently serving as a mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team during the 2025 Champions Trophy. His appointment has already shown positive results, with Afghanistan achieving a significant victory over England in a crucial match. This has drawn attention to Khan’s decision to mentor Afghanistan instead of taking up an opportunity with the Pakistan cricket team, which was eliminated from the tournament earlier this week.
Former cricketer Rashid Latif discussed Khan’s choice, revealing that he declined an offer from Pakistan, stating, “There will be no financial benefits here.” The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) intends to leverage the presence of experienced players from the host nation to improve team performance, especially given the tournament’s venue.
The ACB’s strategy aligns with previous successes, as they had previously engaged renowned cricketers as mentors during ICC events. Noteworthy examples include Ajay Jadeja, who assisted during the 2023 ODI World Cup, and Dwayne Bravo, who joined the team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. These appointments have contributed positively to Afghanistan’s cricketing journey.
Afghanistan’s impressive victory against England, driven by Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 runs and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul, reflects the positive influence of Younis Khan. Despite the challenges posed by England’s Joe Root, who scored a century, Afghanistan managed to secure an eight-run win, indicating their growing competitiveness in international cricket.
Younis Khan’s decision to mentor Afghanistan instead of Pakistan highlights his commitment to developing the team. His guidance has already shown dividends with recent victories, emphasizing Afghanistan’s emergence as a formidable presence in cricket. The strategic involvement of experienced players from host nations continues to strengthen Afghanistan’s performance on the international stage.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
