The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced the appointment of former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan as the team mentor for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy. This strategic move aims to leverage Khan’s extensive experience and knowledge to enhance Afghanistan’s performance in the prestigious tournament.
Younis Khan, a legendary figure in cricket, is celebrated for his illustrious career spanning 265 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 118 Test matches, and a remarkable stint as Pakistan’s captain. Under his leadership, Pakistan secured their first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory in 2009. With over 17,000 runs across formats and 34 Test centuries—still the highest by any Pakistani batter—Khan brings an unparalleled wealth of expertise to the Afghan squad.
Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, highlighted the importance of this appointment. “Since the Champions Trophy is being hosted in Pakistan, we needed a mentor familiar with the local conditions. Younis Khan’s exceptional credentials and deep understanding of the game make him an ideal choice,” he remarked. He further explained that Afghanistan’s positive experiences with mentors from host nations during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup influenced this decision. “Considering the conditions, Younis Khan is perfectly suited for this role. We wish him all the best in this critical assignment.”
This is not the first time Younis Khan has been associated with the Afghanistan men’s cricket team. In 2022, he served as their batting coach, a role in which he contributed significantly to the team’s development. His return as a mentor underscores Afghanistan’s commitment to bringing in world-class expertise to boost their competitive edge.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy will commence on February 19, 2025, in Pakistan. Afghanistan’s first match is scheduled for February 21, where they will face South Africa at Karachi’s iconic National Stadium. With Younis Khan on board, the Afghanistan team hopes to navigate the challenges of the tournament with greater confidence and skill, aiming for a strong performance in the mega event.