Pakistan Legend Younis Khan to Mentor Afghanistan Team Ahead of 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced the appointment of former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan as the mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team in the lead-up to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in Pakistan and Dubai.

Younis Khan’s Stellar Cricketing Background

Younis Khan is one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers, with a distinguished career that includes scoring 10,099 Test runs in 118 matches. His leadership credentials are equally impressive, having captained Pakistan to victory in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup. He has also amassed extensive coaching experience, serving as a batting consultant for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and as the head coach of the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

Previous Association with Afghanistan Cricket

This new role is not Younis Khan’s first engagement with Afghanistan cricket. He previously served as the team’s batting coach in 2022, leaving a lasting impact on the players. His return as a mentor underscores the ACB’s commitment to bolstering their team’s performance by leveraging Younis Khan’s expertise and experience.

Strategic Importance of the Appointment

The ACB’s decision to bring Younis Khan on board is seen as a strategic move to enhance the team’s preparation and performance in the high-stakes tournament. Younis is expected to provide critical guidance on both tactical and psychological fronts, helping the team navigate the pressures of competing against top-tier cricketing nations.

Afghanistan’s Challenging Group

Afghanistan faces a formidable challenge in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, having been drawn in Group B alongside cricketing powerhouses Australia, South Africa, and England. The other group, Group A, includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

The Afghan team is rapidly emerging as a competitive force in international cricket, with aspirations of making a significant impact in the Champions Trophy. Younis Khan’s mentorship is anticipated to bring a new level of discipline, strategy, and confidence to the squad, equipping them to compete effectively against some of the world’s strongest teams.

With Younis Khan’s expertise, Afghanistan aims to refine its game plan and capitalize on its strengths in the upcoming tournament. The team will hope that his influence can help unlock their potential and lead to a successful campaign in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.