Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has made headlines with his decision to mentor the Afghanistan national team during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, rather than contributing to Pakistan’s campaign. His choice has sparked debates within the cricketing community, especially after Afghanistan's impressive performance against England, which has solidified their position as contenders on the world stage.
According to former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, Younis Khan declined the opportunity to assist the Pakistani team, opting instead for Afghanistan. "Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here," Latif stated during his appearance on Geo News. This direct implication raises questions about the motivations behind Khan's decision, especially since he has had prominent roles within Pakistan's cricket history.
Younis Khan, known for leading Pakistan to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup, was officially appointed as the mentor for Afghanistan's team just before the tournament commenced. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive, Naseeb Khan, defended this strategic move by stating, "Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was required to assign a talented and experienced player as a mentor from the hosting country. We already had efficient experiences with hosting countries' mentors during the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024." This reflects Afghanistan’s intention to leverage local expertise, which has proven successful for them before.
Historically, Afghanistan has tapped local talent for strategic mentoring during major tournaments. For the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India, they worked with former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja and previously engaged West Indies' Dwayne Bravo for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Both masters of the game have been pivotal during Afghanistan’s rise, leading to landmark wins and substantial growth within international cricket.
Under Younis's guidance, Afghanistan demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill during their match against England. After suffering defeat to South Africa, they bounced back with tenacity, achieving a thrilling eight-run victory against England. This victory not only showcased individual brilliance, including Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 runs and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five wickets, but also highlighted the effectiveness of Younis Khan’s mentorship.
The match was significant, as it fell on the heels of growing expectations for Afghanistan to perform against established cricketing nations. Latif's comments suggest variations within Afghanistan's cricket strategy could yield successes independent of prior assumptions about the team's capabilities. No longer are they just considered underdogs; they are now contenders capable of delivering thrilling matches.
With Khan at the helm, Afghanistan not only aims at outplaying their upcoming opponents but also looks toward secure footing within the cricketing elite. Following the victory against England, the team must now prepare to face Australia at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, which could pave their way to their first Champions Trophy semi-final.
Younis Khan's choice to mentor Afghanistan instead of contributing to the Pakistani squad raises substantial interest and questions about loyalty, ambition, and the evolution of cricket dynamics. This decision underlines not only his role as mentor to the young Afghan players but also his commitment to the growth of cricket beyond national boundaries. It is commendable when players like Younis Khan contribute their talents to propel teams outside their native country, fostering an environment for growth and opportunity.
After the strategic appointment of Younis Khan, Afghanistan's path goes beyond mere participation; it focuses on victory and establishing them firmly as significant players at the international level. Their previous mentors have shown this commitment to achieving excellence, and with Younis’s experience backing them, they stand poised to make even greater strides.
With the impending match against Australia, the stakes are higher than ever. Fans and analysts alike will keep their eyes glued to the screen as they witness whether Afghanistan can continue their upward momentum under Younis’s guidance.