Rashid Latif commented on Younis Khan’s choice to mentor Afghanistan instead of Pakistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy. Financial factors influenced this decision, especially after Pakistan’s early tournament exit. Younis’s guidance helped Afghanistan secure notable victories, while Pakistan struggled significantly. Both teams now face critical matches to determine their progression in the tournament.
Rashid Latif, the former captain of Pakistan, recently revealed his perspective on Younis Khan’s decision to mentor Afghanistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing financial factors as a key reason. Following Pakistan’s early exit with two defeats and a washed-out match, Younis opted to support the Afghan team, which was still in contention for a semi-finals spot, highlighting his commitment to nurturing their cricketing talents.
Younis Khan took on the role of mentor with the Afghan national side, collaborating with head coach Jonathan Trott. This move proved pivotal as Afghanistan triumphed over England in a crucial match, scoring an impressive 325 runs and winning by eight runs. Their performance reflected substantial improvement, showcasing a solid batting lineup capable of tackling formidable opponents.
In stark contrast, Pakistan’s batting lineup appeared lackluster, succumbing to losses against India and New Zealand. Despite initial hopes, they failed to chase down 321 runs and could not defend 242, showcasing a marked difference in performance and spirit between the two teams. Latif noted, “Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here.”
Naseeb Khan, the Chief Executive of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, defended the appointment of Younis Khan, emphasizing the importance of experienced mentors during a home tournament. He mentioned previous successes with mentors from host nations, underscoring the strategic value of this decision for Afghanistan.
As Afghanistan prepares to face Australia, they aim to make history in their inaugural Champions Trophy appearance. With one victory over England and a loss to South Africa, they remain poised for a challenging matchup against the formidable Australians. A favorable outcome or even a shared points situation could secure them a place in the semi-finals, marking a significant achievement in their cricketing journey.
In summary, Younis Khan’s decision to mentor Afghanistan over Pakistan was influenced by financial considerations, as highlighted by Rashid Latif. His involvement has proven beneficial for Afghanistan, leading them to significant victories in the tournament. In contrast, Pakistan’s early exit reflects their struggles during the competition. As both teams continue their campaigns, the outcomes will shape their cricketing narratives moving forward.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
