Preparations for Champions Trophy 2025
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has taken a significant step in preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. With the first match scheduled for February 19, Afghanistan’s first match against South Africa is set for February 21. In a strategic move, the board has appointed former Pakistan captain and veteran batsman Younis Khan as a mentor to the team.
Younis Khan’s Role
Younis Khan will join the team before the tournament and will be part of the conditioning camp starting from February 19 in Karachi. He will remain with the team until the end of the tournament, playing a crucial role in preparing them for the competition. This is not Younis Khan’s first stint with the Afghanistan team, as he previously worked with them in 2022, coaching an extended team of 25 players in a 15-day training camp in Abu Dhabi.
ACB assigns Younas Khan as Mentor for CT25
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed former Pakistan’s batsman Younas Khan as the mentor of the Afghanistan National team for the Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19 in Pakistan. Younas Khan will accompany the team… pic.twitter.com/6yasEXK8Us
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 8, 2025
Past Success with Host Country Mentors
This is the third time the Afghanistan Cricket Board has appointed an experienced player from the host country as a mentor. In the past, Ajay Jadeja was appointed as the team’s mentor for the ODI World Cup 2023, and Dwayne Bravo supported the team as a bowling consultant in the T20 World Cup 2024. Both tournaments saw excellent performances from the team, with Afghanistan achieving sixth place in the ODI World Cup and reaching the semi-finals for the first time in the T20 World Cup.
Expectations from Younis Khan’s Appointment
ACB Chief Executive Naseeb Khan expressed his hopes for Younis Khan’s appointment, stating that the experienced player’s presence will greatly benefit the team. He also mentioned that the board has seen good results with host country mentors in the past and hopes this strategy will work again.
Champions Trophy 2025 Groupings
Afghanistan is part of Group B in the Champions Trophy 2025, along with Australia, England, and South Africa. All matches of the tournament will be played in Pakistan, except for those related to India, which will be held in Dubai.