Photo Credit: Facebook Photo of Younus Khan
Younis Khan‘s decision to mentor Afghanistan’s national team during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, rather than working with Pakistan, has ignited debate. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif suggested financial reasons played a role in Younis’ choice, stating on a Geo News show, “There are no financial benefits here,” after Afghanistan eliminated England from the tournament.
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive Naseeb Khan defended the move, emphasizing their strategy of hiring mentors from host nations for major ICC tournaments. “Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was essential to appoint an experienced and talented mentor from the host country,” Naseeb explained. “We have previously benefited from working with mentors from host nations during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.”
Afghanistan has a history of utilizing local expertise to gain an edge in global tournaments. In the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, they brought in Ajay Jadeja, who guided them to historic victories over England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. For the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, they enlisted West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, under whom they achieved their first-ever ICC semi-final appearance.
Younis, a T20 World Cup-winning captain for Pakistan, was appointed as Afghanistan’s mentor before the Champions Trophy. He played a crucial role in their conditioning camp, helping the team adjust to Pakistani conditions. His guidance proved valuable as Afghanistan rebounded from an opening loss to South Africa in Karachi with a thrilling victory over England in Lahore.
Now, with momentum on their side, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s squad prepares to face Australia in their final group-stage match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday, aiming to continue their impressive campaign.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
