Younis Khan said no to Pakistan, chose to work with Afghanistan instead, reveals Rashid Latif

Legendary cricketer Younis Khan, currently serving as a mentor for the Afghanistan cricket team, had previously declined an opportunity to work with the Pakistan team, former wicket-keeper batter Rashid Latif revealed.

Speaking on a private TV channel, Rashid Latif said that Younis Khan was more inclined towards mentoring Afghanistan, knowing that working with Pakistan would not bring him any financial benefits.

Before the start of the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan appointed Younis Khan as a mentor to utilise his expertise in home conditions and gain valuable insights.

Read more: Aqib Javed blames lack of experience for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit

Younis Khan’s coaching skills received widespread praise from cricket analysts after Afghanistan’s remarkable performance in the Champions Trophy, where they secured a historic victory against England to qualify for the semifinals.

Afghanistan’s star batter Ibrahim Zadran, who played a phenomenal innings by scoring 117 runs, credited Younis Khan’s mentorship for his success.

"Younis Khan is sharing his experience with us. He has played a lot of cricket here, and I keep seeking his advice on batting during net sessions," Zadran said.

Check: Afghanistan knock England out of Champions Trophy 2025 after nail-biter contest

Zadran also set a new record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, surpassing cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ben Duckett, and others.

Ibrahim Zadran’s monumental 177-run knock, followed by Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul, powered Afghanistan to a thrilling eight-run victory over England in the eighth match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

The defeat put England’s semi-final chances to rest, while Afghanistan remain in contest.