Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan appoint Pakistan great Younis Khan as mentor

Afghanistan bolsters its coaching setup with Pakistan legend Younis Khan as mentor for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Known for his leadership and batting expertise, Younis aims to guide the team to new heights on the global stage.

In Short

• Younis brings leadership experience, including Pakistan's 2009 T20 World Cup win
• Afghanistan's rapid rise continues under Jonathan Trott
• They reached the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has been appointed as the mentor of the Afghanistan cricket team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the development on Wednesday. Younis previously served as Afghanistan’s batting coach in 2022.

“ACB has assigned former experienced top-order Pakistani player Younis Khan as Mentor for Champions Trophy 2025. He (Younis) will join the team before the event starts in Pakistan,” said ACB spokesman Sayeed Naseem Sadat.

Younis Khan is widely regarded as one of Pakistan's greatest cricketers. In a glittering career, he scored 10,099 runs in 118 Tests, including a memorable triple century (313). He also reached the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings during his playing days. As captain, Younis led Pakistan to its maiden T20 World Cup victory in 2009.

Boost to Afghanistan's coaching setup

After retiring, Younis transitioned to coaching and mentoring roles. He served as Pakistan's batting coach for a brief period and has worked with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Most recently, he was the head coach for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

Afghanistan has increasingly brought experienced international players into its coaching setup in recent years. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja mentored the team. Under his guidance, Afghanistan achieved a historic sixth-place finish, including victories against England and Pakistan. Notably, Jadeja offered his services without seeking any payment.

While Afghanistan did not have an official mentor during the 2024 T20 World Cup, they had Dwayne Bravo as a bowling consultant. The team reached the semi-finals in that tournament, a testament to their progress under head coach Jonathan Trott. Trott’s tenure has been marked by significant milestones, including qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The appointment of Younis Khan reflects Afghanistan's ambitions to make a strong impression in the Champions Trophy. With his vast experience and proven leadership, Younis is expected to play a key role in nurturing young talents and preparing the team for high-pressure matches.

Afghanistan’s recent performances have highlighted their rapid growth as a competitive force in international cricket. The addition of Younis Khan to their setup further strengthens their aspirations for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.