The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the appointment of Younis Khan as mentor of the Afghanistan’s cricket team. The board stated that Younis will join the team before the commencement of tournament which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

Previously, Younis Khan rendered his services as Afghanistan’s batting coach in 2022.

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

The experts view the appointment of Younis Khan as a strategic move by the ACB to provide the team with additional guidance and experience for improving performance in the upcoming tournament, which will take place from February 19 to 9 March 9, 2025.

In his career, Younis Khan has made total 10,099 runs in 118 Tests. Khan led Pakistan to victory in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and has also served in various coaching roles, including a stint with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and as head coach for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

The team secured place in Group B alongside Australia, South Africa, and England, whereas Group A comprises Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

The ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan and Dubai from 19 February to 9 March 2025.