Younis Khan, renowned for his prolific scoring across all formats of cricket, brings a wealth of experience to the Afghanistan setup. With a career that boasts 10,099 runs in 118 Test matches at an average exceeding 52, 7,249 runs in 265 ODIs, and 442 runs in 25 T20Is, Khan’s statistical legacy is impressive. His career-best score of 313 against Sri Lanka in Karachi in 2009 not only showcased his batting prowess but also cemented his position as one of Pakistan’s cricketing greats. Additionally, Khan’s leadership was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory at the 2009 T20 World Cup.
This isn’t Khan’s first engagement with Afghanistan cricket. In 2022, he served as the batting coach for Afghanistan during a 15-day training camp in Abu Dhabi. His familiarity with the team and understanding of the region’s cricketing conditions make this appointment a natural progression. Naseeb Khan, CEO of ACB, commented on the decision, stating, “Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was required to assign a talented and experienced player as mentor from the hosting country. Observing the conditions, therefore, we have appointed Younis Khan as mentor for our national team for the upcoming mega event and wish him best of luck in his crucial assignment”
The role of a mentor in cricket, particularly for a team like Afghanistan which has shown significant growth in recent years, is multifaceted. Khan’s mentorship will encompass not just technical batting advice but also strategic insights into facing diverse international teams, understanding the nuances of subcontinental pitches, and managing the pressure of high-stake games. His experience from leading Pakistan in various ICC tournaments will be invaluable for a team looking to make their mark in the Champions Trophy, where they will face strong opposition like Australia, England, and South Africa in Group B
Afghanistan’s strategy to bring in mentors from host countries has proven successful in recent ICC events. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, they had Ajay Jadeja (India), and for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Dwayne Bravo (West Indies) was their bowling consultant, both contributing significantly to Afghanistan’s performance. This pattern of selecting mentors with local knowledge underscores the ACB’s tactical approach to international cricket.
Younis Khan’s involvement is expected to introduce a new level of professionalism and strategic thinking to the Afghanistan camp. As they prepare in Pakistan for the tournament, Khan will work closely with the team during their conditioning and preparation phases, guiding them through the complexities of international cricket. His mentorship might just be the catalyst needed for Afghanistan to transcend their performances in previous tournaments, aiming for deeper runs or even a surprise victory in the Champions Trophy.
The appointment of Younis Khan as mentor is a clear signal of Afghanistan’s ambition and strategic planning for the Champions Trophy 2025. With the tournament set to return after a long hiatus, the excitement around this news is palpable among fans and cricket analysts alike. Khan’s rich cricketing legacy, combined with his previous experience with the team, positions him uniquely to help Afghanistan navigate this prestigious event. This mentorship could very well be a game-changer for Afghanistan as they continue their ascent in international cricket.