The former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif made a startling assertion about former captain Younis Khan’s intention to work with Afghanistan over Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for financial considerations. In a recent interview, Latif said Younis didn’t want to work with Pakistan and preferred the Afghan team.
Khan turned down Pakistan cricket to play for Afghanistan. Latif claimed no financial gain. For the tournament in Pakistan and the UAE, the ACB appointed Younis as a mentor. A conditioning camp with the former T20 World Cup captain gave players insight into Pakistani conditions before the competition.
Naseeb Khan, ACB CEO, explained, “Pakistan hosts the Champions Trophy, hence an experienced and talented coach was needed. Mentors from host nations helped us throughout the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup.”
Afghanistan often hires former cricketers from host nations as mentors. At the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, they appointed Ajay Jadeja.
He led Afghanistan to wins over England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, nearly missing the semi-finals. Dwayne Bravo was brought in for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, and the team reached their first senior ICC semi-final.
Afghanistan lost their tournament opener to Bavuma-led South Africa in Karachi. They won their second group match against England in Lahore yesterday. Ibrahim Zadran hit 177 off 146 deliveries to help Afghanistan achieve 325/7 batting first.
England fell eight runs short after being knocked out for 317. Azmatullah Omarzai had a great spell, taking five wickets to seal the win. Afghanistan’s last group match against Australia will be at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 28.
