Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has been appointed as Afghanistan’s mentor for the Champions Trophy 2025. Known for his immense cricketing experience, Younis will assist the Afghanistan team in their preparation and performance during the tournament. He will join the squad in Pakistan for a conditioning camp before the tournament begins and remain with the team throughout the competition.
A Return to Afghanistan Cricket
This marks Younis Khan’s second stint with Afghanistan, following his previous engagement in 2022 when he conducted a 15-day training camp in Abu Dhabi for an extended squad of 25 players. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed confidence in Younis’ ability to guide the team, especially given his familiarity with Pakistan’s playing conditions.
Strategic Appointment for Local Expertise
ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan highlighted the importance of having a mentor from the host country. “Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was essential to appoint a skilled and experienced mentor familiar with local conditions. Younis Khan’s expertise makes him the ideal choice,” he said.
This is not the first time Afghanistan has sought mentors from host nations. In the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, they brought in Ajay Jadeja, and in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, they enlisted Dwayne Bravo as a bowling consultant. Both appointments proved successful, with Afghanistan achieving significant milestones, including a semi-final appearance in the T20 World Cup.
Aiming for Success in the Champions Trophy
Afghanistan enters the Champions Trophy as a promising team in Group B, alongside Australia, England, and South Africa.
The Champions Trophy, primarily hosted in Pakistan, will see matches involving India held in Dubai due to logistical considerations. Afghanistan aims to build on their recent successes and put forth a strong showing in this prestigious tournament.
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Younis Khan’s Legacy and Role
Younis Khan retired from international cricket in 2017 after a stellar career that included 118 Test matches, 265 ODIs, and 25 T20Is.
Since retiring, Younis has transitioned into coaching, including a brief tenure as Pakistan’s batting coach in 2021. His understanding of the game, particularly in challenging conditions, is expected to provide Afghanistan with a competitive edge.
With Younis Khan at the helm as their mentor, Afghanistan hopes to continue their upward trajectory in international cricket. The Champions Trophy offers them another opportunity to showcase their growing stature and compete against the world’s best teams.
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