Afghanistan National Cricket Team Prepares for ICC Champions Trophy

The Afghanistan national cricket team is gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with former Pakistan captain Younis Khan joining as a mentor and opener Ibrahim Zadran returning to the squad after recovering from ankle surgery. The team is preparing to face strong opponents, including South Africa, England, and Australia, in Karachi and Rawalpindi.

Younis Khan, who previously served as Afghanistan's batting coach in 2022, will bring his expertise to the team, aiming to improve their performance in the tournament. The team's Chairman, Mirwais Ashraf, has expressed optimism about their chances, citing their past achievements in ICC events. The squad has undergone some changes, with Zadran's return and the exclusion of Mujeeb Ur Rehman due to injury. The team will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, with Rahmat Shah as his deputy, and will look to make a strong impression in the tournament.

Other teams participating in the tournament have also announced their squads, with South Africa naming a seasoned 15-man team and Australia including captain Pat Cummins in their preliminary squad. England and South Africa have also ruled out boycotting matches against Afghanistan, opting for a unified approach from all ICC members. The tournament is expected to be highly competitive, with strong teams and talented players competing for the top prize.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be an exciting and closely contested tournament, with the Afghanistan national cricket team looking to make a strong impression under the guidance of Younis Khan. With their preparations underway, the team is ready to face the challenges ahead and compete against the best teams in the world.