Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Afghanistan has roped in former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan as a mentor for its men’s cricket team in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19 in Pakistan.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Wednesday that Younis, 47, a revered batsman with an illustrious career of 118 Tests, 265 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for Pakistan, will join the Afghan squad ahead of the tournament. This marks Younis’s second association with the Afghanistan team, following his stint at a training camp in Abu Dhabi in 2022.
Younis, who retired in 2017, briefly served as Pakistan’s batting coach in 2021 before parting ways due to disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board. His appointment aligns with Afghanistan’s strategy of engaging seasoned mentors for global tournaments, following Ajay Jadeja’s role in the 2023 ODI World Cup and Dwayne Bravo’s consultancy at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“Given the Champions Trophy is in Pakistan, it was imperative to assign a seasoned player from the host country as mentor,” ACB CEO Naseeb Khan stated.
Afghanistan, placed in Group B alongside England, Australia, and South Africa, will begin their campaign against South Africa on February 21 in Karachi. The tournament comes after Afghanistan’s impressive performances, including victories against England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup, securing their Champions Trophy berth.
Meanwhile, the political climate casts a shadow over the event. Over 160 U.K. politicians have urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott matches against Afghanistan, protesting the Taliban regime’s suppression of women’s rights.
India, part of Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, has opted to play its matches in Dubai, citing security concerns.
The Champions Trophy promises high-stakes action as Afghanistan aims to continue its rise on the global cricket stage under the guidance of Younis Khan.
