KABUL: Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has appointed legendary former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as the national team’s mentor for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on February 19 in Pakistan.
The ACB confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, highlighting Younis’s expertise and familiarity with Pakistan’s playing conditions, where the tournament will be held.
Younis Khan, who previously served as Afghanistan’s batting coach in April 2022, will accompany the team during their conditioning and preparation camp in Pakistan and continue in his role until the conclusion of the tournament.
Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was necessary to assign a talented and experienced player as mentor from the hosting country,” said ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan.
“Observing the conditions, we have appointed Younis Khan and wish him the best of luck in this crucial assignment.”
The ACB has a history of engaging mentors from host countries for major ICC tournaments. This strategy was employed during the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024, yielding positive results.
Younis’s deep understanding of Pakistan’s conditions, coupled with his illustrious playing career, is expected to provide significant strategic and technical advantages to the Afghan team.
Known as one of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers, Younis is the country’s only batter to score over 10,000 Test runs, amassing 10,099 runs at an average of over 52. He also holds the record for the most Test centuries (34) for Pakistan.
Younis scored 7,249 runs in 265 ODIs and 442 runs in 25 T20Is. His career-best 313 against Sri Lanka in Karachi in 2009 lifted him to the number one position in the ICC rankings.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy marks the tournament’s return after a seven-year hiatus. The eight-team event will feature 15 matches in the 50-over format, hosted across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, with India’s matches scheduled in Dubai under a hybrid model.
Pakistan, as defending champions, will open the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
Afghanistan will start their campaign on February 21 against South Africa. Key matches include the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
The semi-finals and final will have reserve days, with Lahore set to host the second semi-final and the final on March 9. However, if India qualifies, the final will be played in Dubai.
Upgraded stadiums ready for action
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s cricket stadiums have undergone extensive renovations and upgradation.
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium now boasts a capacity of 35,000, enhanced seating, and new hospitality enclosures, while Karachi’s National Bank Stadium features upgraded lighting and improved facilities for players and spectators.
