Younis Khan is serving as a mentor for Afghanistan during the Champions Trophy 2025, a decision that has sparked discussion following their recent victory over England. Former cricketer Rashid Latif revealed Khan’s rejection of an offer to work with Pakistan. This mentoring role aligns with the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s strategy of involving seasoned players, which has proven successful in past tournaments. Afghanistan now aims for a semi-final spot against Australia.
Younis Khan has taken on the role of mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team during the Champions Trophy 2025, a decision that has generated much discussion, particularly after the team’s recent success. Afghanistan achieved a remarkable victory over England, keeping their hopes alive in the tournament, which has drawn attention to Khan’s decision to opt for Afghanistan over Pakistan.
Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif disclosed that Khan declined an offer to assist the Pakistan team, which earlier faced elimination. Latif shared, “Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There will be no financial benefits here,” highlighting the motives behind Khan’s choice.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) strategically appointed Younis as a mentor, particularly because the Champions Trophy is being hosted in Pakistan. ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan noted this approach follows successful past experiences of leveraging local talent during major tournaments, which has proven beneficial in enhancing the team’s performance on the international stage.
Khan’s mentorship seems to have positively influenced Afghanistan’s performance, as evidenced by their stunning win against England, where notable contributions from players like Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai solidified their victory. This match not only showcased their capabilities but also reinforced Afghanistan’s growing stature in the cricketing world.
As Afghanistan continues its journey in the tournament, they now set their sights on a crucial match against Australia, where they aim to secure their first-ever semi-final berth in the Champions Trophy.
In conclusion, Younis Khan’s role as a mentor for Afghanistan has already shown significant results, especially with the team’s impressive victory over England. His decision to prioritize Afghanistan over Pakistan highlights his commitment to the development of cricket in emerging nations. As they prepare for a critical match against Australia, the focus remains on Afghanistan’s potential to further establish themselves in international cricket.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
