Younis Khan, one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketing legends, has been appointed as a mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The announcement came on Wednesday, with Sayeed Naseem Sadat, the spokesperson for the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), confirming the exciting news. Younis will step into his mentoring role just before the tournament kicks off in Pakistan on February 19.
A Legendary Addition
Younis Khan brings with him a wealth of experience, both as a player and a coach. His remarkable career includes leading Pakistan to victory in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and becoming the only Pakistani batter to surpass 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
But it’s not just his records that make this appointment special. Younis has previously worked as a batting consultant with both Pakistan and Afghanistan teams. His familiarity with Pakistan’s conditions and his tactical acumen make him an invaluable asset for Afghanistan as they gear up for one of cricket’s biggest stages.
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Sadat expressed his confidence in Younis’ ability to make a difference: “He [Younis] will join the team before the event starts in Pakistan.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Afghanistan has been steadily rising in international cricket, and having a mentor like Younis Khan could provide the team with that extra edge. His insights into playing in Pakistani conditions, combined with his calm yet strategic approach, are expected to benefit Afghanistan’s young and talented squad.
Younis’ prior stints as a batting consultant in 2022 with the Afghanistan team already give him a solid understanding of the players’ strengths and areas for improvement. This continuity could prove crucial in helping Afghanistan navigate the high-pressure matches of the Champions Trophy.
While Younis’ name will forever be associated with his legendary playing career, his coaching résumé is equally impressive. He’s worked in various capacities, including as a consultant for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League and more recently as the head coach for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
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