Islamabad, Jan 8: Former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan has been appointed as the mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This announcement was confirmed on Wednesday by Sayeed Naseem Sadat, the spokesman for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). The ninth edition of the prestigious tournament is set to begin on 19 February with host nation Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi. This will mark a significant moment for both the tournament and the Afghan team, as Khan, known for his vast cricketing experience, takes on the role of mentor for the first time in this event.
Younis Khan’s Expertise to Benefit Afghanistan Ahead of Champions Trophy
Sadat revealed that the ACB had brought on the legendary former top-order batsman to assist the Afghan team in preparation for the Champions Trophy. “Younis Khan will join the team before the event starts in Pakistan,” Sadat shared in a conversation with Indian media. With his wealth of cricketing experience, particularly in Pakistan’s playing conditions, Khan will provide Afghanistan with invaluable insights into handling the challenges that come with the conditions in the host country.
Khan, widely regarded as one of the finest cricketers in Pakistan’s history, is known for leading Pakistan to their sole ICC T20 World Cup title in 2009. Additionally, he remains the only Pakistani batter to surpass 10,000 runs in Test cricket. His experience is not confined to international cricket alone; he has also worked as a batting consultant for both the Pakistan and Afghanistan national teams in recent years.
Furthermore, Khan has been involved in franchise cricket, coaching Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League and recently serving as head coach for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. His new role is expected to be a major boost for Afghanistan as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
