Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has been appointed as the mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officially announced the decision, citing Younis Khan’s vast experience and his prior association with the team as key factors.
ACB spokesperson Sayeed Naseem Sadat confirmed that Younis Khan will join the squad ahead of the tournament, which begins in February 2025. This will be Younis’s second stint with Afghanistan, having previously served as their batting coach in 2022.
Since retiring from international cricket, Younis Khan has held various coaching roles. His achievements include:
- Pakistan National Team: Briefly worked as the batting coach.
- Peshawar Zalmi: Served as a mentor in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
- Bangla Tigers: Coached the team in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
Younis’s stellar cricketing career, highlighted by over 10,000 Test runs and a top score of 313, makes him a valuable addition to Afghanistan’s support staff.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 across Pakistan and the UAE. The tournament will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches at venues in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. Notably, the ICC’s hybrid model ensures that India’s matches will be held in Dubai due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
Under Younis Khan’s guidance, Afghanistan aims to leave a significant mark in the Champions Trophy. The team has made remarkable progress in recent years, and their qualification for the 2025 edition is a historic milestone. With Younis’s mentorship, Afghanistan hopes to build on their momentum and deliver strong performances on the global stage.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will captain the Indian team in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Shah expressed optimism about India’s prospects under Rohit’s leadership, highlighting the team’s determination to end an 11-year wait for an ICC title.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision to appoint Younis Khan as a mentor is a calculated step to boost the team’s performance in the intensely competitive ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With powerhouse teams like India, Pakistan, and Australia in contention, fans can look forward to an exhilarating tournament.
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