Afghanistan’s cricket team is generating headlines as they advance through the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, thanks, in part, to their newly appointed mentor, Younis Khan. The former Pakistan captain made waves recently by opting to guide the Afghan squad instead of joining his home country’s side, demonstrating his commitment to this burgeoning cricketing nation.
Younis Khan was appointed mentor for Afghanistan just before the tournament commenced. This strategic decision seems to have paid dividends, following their unexpected victory over England, where the Afghan team managed to knock out the formidable English side with exhilarating 325 runs, winning the match by eight runs.
Rashid Latif, the former Pakistan cricketer, disclosed on Geo News' 'Haarna Mana Hai' show why Younis chose to join Afghanistan over Pakistan. "Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here," he stated, emphasizing the altruistic nature of Younis's decision.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) had been on the lookout for someone proficient to guide their players during this high-stakes tournament. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan stated, "The Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, so we needed someone from the host country to mentor our players. We already achieved good results by appointing mentors from the hosting countries in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup.” This past success influenced their decision to hire Younis Khan.
Getting Younis Khan on board aligns Afghanistan’s plan to approach the tournament with experienced support. Head coach Jonathan Trott welcomed the collaboration, noting the significant impact it could have on the players’ performance on the field. Indeed, the collaboration with Khan, alongside Trott, marks their ambition to capitalize on these mentor relationships, much like they did withformer West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo during the T20 World Cup.
It's worth mentioning the historical significance of this tournament for Afghanistan as this marks their first time competing at the ICC Champions Trophy level. With the victory over England, the team has now bolstered their chance to progress even closer to the semifinals if they can overcome Australia, with their next match set to take place soon.
Future expectations are high as head coach Jonathan Trott expressed confidence about the match against Australia. "We have played thrice against Australia, and we know about their style. I said before, you can’t take Afghanistan lightly. We play every game to win,” he said, underscoring the team's competitive spirit and determination.
Indeed, each match they play continues to shape their identity and reputation on the world stage. The coming game against Australia is not only significant for the semifinals but also for solidifying their status as serious contenders. Achieving this would mark another milestone for both Khan and the Afghan team.
The evolution of Afghanistan's cricket team from underdogs to formidable opponents encapsulates their rise within international cricket. With Younis Khan at the helm, they are no longer just participants; they possess the tools necessary to challenge the game’s elite.
Fans around the world are thrilled to see Afghanistan continue to grow and shine on this advanced stage. The blend of passion, talent, and now expert mentorship could be the catalyst they need to make headlines and achieve their cricketing dreams.