Afghanistan’s cricket team has been making waves in international cricket. Their recent success is partly due to Younis Khan, who chose to mentor Afghanistan instead of working with Pakistan Cricket. Former cricketer Rashid Latif recently shared insights into why Younis made this surprising decision.
- Younis Khan chose Afghanistan over Pakistan, despite no financial benefits.
- The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) strategically appointed him for the Champions Trophy.
- Under his guidance, Afghanistan defeated England, improving their chances in the tournament.
Rashid Latif Reveals The Truth
During an interview on Geo News’ Haarna Mana Hai show, Rashid Latif stated that Younis Khan declined an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) despite no financial gain in mentoring Afghanistan.
“Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here,” Latif said.
Why Did Afghanistan Choose Younis Khan?
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) needed an experienced mentor for the Champions Trophy 2025. According to ACB CEO Naseeb Khan, appointing a mentor from the host country has brought positive results in past tournaments.
Strategic Move for Champions Trophy
Afghanistan’s decision to appoint Younis Khan follows a successful strategy used in previous tournaments:
- 2023 ODI World Cup – ACB hired a mentor from the hosting nation, which led to positive results.
- 2024 T20 World Cup – The same approach helped Afghanistan perform well.
Afghanistan’s Performance Under Younis Khan
Younis Khan worked alongside head coach Jonathan Trott, forming a strong coaching duo. Their efforts led Afghanistan to a stunning 325-run total against England, resulting in an eight-run victory.
Afghanistan’s Road to History
This is Afghanistan’s first-ever Champions Trophy. If they defeat Australia, they can qualify for the semifinals, marking a historic moment in their cricket journey.
Afghanistan’s Rising Cricket Legacy
Afghanistan’s cricket team has come a long way. With strong leadership and bold decisions, they continue to challenge the world’s top teams. Younis Khan’s involvement proves that Afghanistan is no longer an underdog but a serious contender in international cricket.
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