The Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as team mentor for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Khan’s extensive experience and familiarity with local conditions are expected to aid the team in the tournament, which will be hosted in Pakistan.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as the team mentor for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Khan, a veteran of 265 One Day Internationals and 118 Test matches, is well-regarded for leading Pakistan to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup. With a remarkable record of over 17,000 runs and 34 Test centuries, his extensive experience is expected to be invaluable for the Afghan side as they prepare for the tournament.
Naseeb Khan, the CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, expressed confidence in Younis Khan’s ability to assist the team. He emphasized the necessity of having an experienced player from the host nation, given that the Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan. “We already had efficient experience with hosting countries’ mentors in ODI World Cup 2023 and T20I World Cup 2024,” stated Naseeb Khan, highlighting the successful mentorship from previous events. Younis Khan had previously served as batting coach for the Afghanistan team in 2022, reinforcing his familiarity with the squad. The tournament is set to commence on February 19, with Afghanistan’s first match scheduled against South Africa on February 21 at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan.
The appointment of Younis Khan as a mentor for the Afghanistan national cricket team comes as an important strategic decision ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will be hosted in Pakistan, and having someone with Khan’s extensive cricketing knowledge and insight into local playing conditions is expected to enhance the team’s competitive edge. Younis Khan’s prior involvement with the Afghanistan team as a batting coach will likely facilitate a smoother transition into his new role as mentor, providing familiar support as they prepare for international competition.
The selection of Younis Khan as the mentor for the Afghanistan Cricket Team underscores the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s commitment to optimizing performance through experienced guidance. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the combination of Khan’s proven expertise and insight into local conditions is anticipated to bolster the team’s prospects. This collaboration marks a significant step for the Afghan cricketing community as they strive for excellence on the international stage.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
