Rashid Latif disclosed that Younis Khan chose to mentor Afghanistan over Pakistan due to the lack of financial incentives from Pakistan Cricket. Under Younis’ mentorship, Afghanistan excelled by defeating England in the Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan struggled and was eliminated early, Afghanistan has a chance to qualify for the semi-finals in their first appearance at the tournament.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif revealed why Younis Khan opted to mentor Afghanistan instead of Pakistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy. After Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the tournament, Younis’ decision was influenced by the absence of financial incentives for working with his home country. According to Latif, Younis began his role with Afghanistan’s coaching staff, joining head coach Jonathan Trott, which ended up significantly benefiting the team’s performance.
Under Younis’ guidance, Afghanistan achieved a remarkable 325 runs against England in a critical match, ultimately securing a victory by eight runs. Their middle-order batting showcased growth in their skills as they successfully faced the competitive English bowlers. In stark contrast, Pakistan’s batting demonstrated a lack of confidence and aggression, culminating in two defeats against New Zealand and India.
Latif emphasized, “Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here.” This highlights the financial factors impacting cricketing decisions. Afghanistan Cricket Board’s CEO Naseeb Khan defended Younis’ appointment by stating that having an experienced mentor from the host nation was essential for success, drawing from past experiences during previous tournaments.
As Afghanistan looks to make history by advancing to the Champions Trophy semi-finals, they have already secured a win against England. Their upcoming match is against cricketing powerhouse Australia, where they must secure a meaningful victory, especially with potential rain interruptions threatening their chances of advancing further. Unlike Pakistan, who were eliminated early, Afghanistan is focused on making a significant impact in their inaugural Champions Trophy appearance.
The decision of Younis Khan to mentor Afghanistan was significantly influenced by financial factors, according to Rashid Latif. His impact was evident as Afghanistan achieved substantial success in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s performance contrasted sharply, prompting discussions about potential deficiencies within their cricketing framework. As Afghanistan prepares for their next challenge, they aim to make history in the tournament.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
