Younis Khan Joins Afghanistan Team as Mentor
In a significant development, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has been appointed as the mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officially confirmed the news, highlighting Younis Khan’s extensive experience and past association with the team.
According to ACB spokesperson Sayeed Naseem Sadat, Younis Khan will join the team before the tournament kicks off in February 2025. He previously served as Afghanistan’s batting coach in 2022, making this his second stint with the team.
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Younis Khan’s Coaching Journey
Younis Khan has held various coaching roles after retiring from international cricket. His notable achievements include:
- Pakistan National Team: Served as the batting coach for a short tenure.
- Peshawar Zalmi: Worked as a mentor in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
- Bangla Tigers: Coached the team in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
With over 10,000 runs in Test cricket, including a career-best score of 313, Younis Khan brings invaluable expertise to Afghanistan’s squad.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Overview
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9, 2025. A total of 8 teams will participate, competing in 15 matches across key venues such as Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
Participating Teams
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| India | England |
| Pakistan | South Africa |
| New Zealand | Australia |
| Bangladesh | Afghanistan |
The hybrid model agreed upon by the ICC ensures that India’s matches will be played in Dubai due to political tensions.
Key Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19 February | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Karachi |
| 20 February | Bangladesh vs India | Dubai |
| 23 February | Pakistan vs India | Dubai |
| 4 March | Semi-Final 1 | Dubai |
| 5 March | Semi-Final 2 | Lahore |
| 9 March | Final | Lahore/Dubai (if India) |
Afghanistan’s Prospects in Champions Trophy 2025
With Younis Khan’s mentorship, Afghanistan aims to make a strong impact in the tournament. The team has shown significant growth in recent years, and their qualification for the Champions Trophy 2025 marks a historic achievement.
Jai Shah’s Statement on Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy
BCCI Secretary Jai Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian team in the Champions Trophy. He expressed confidence in India’s chances under Rohit’s captaincy, emphasizing the goal of winning the ICC title after an 11-year drought.
Younis Khan’s appointment as a mentor is a strategic move by Afghanistan Cricket Board, aiming to enhance the team’s performance in the highly competitive ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With top teams like India, Pakistan, and Australia in the fray, cricket fans can expect an exciting tournament ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament approaches!
