Younis Khan said no to Pakistan to join Afghanistan as mentor: Rashid Latif

Afghanistan once again showed why they are no longer pushovers in world cricket as they knocked England out of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, February 27, by registering an eight-run win at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

While analysing the encounter on a talk show, Rashid Latif revealed that Younis Khan rejected an offer to join Pakistan's support staff to sign as Afghanistan's mentor. Afghanistan produced a sensational batting effort against England on Wednesday, especially after they had lost three wickets inside the first powerplay.

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Ibrahim Zadran led the way with a phenomenal 177-run knock, which came off just 146 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and six sixes. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi also contributed with scores of 40, 41, and 40, respectively. As the boundaries kept on coming, Younis was seen cheering from the pavilion. 

"Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There will be no financial benefits here," Latif told Geo News.

Afghanistan posted an impressive total of 325/7 on the back of Zadran's record-breaking knock. Afghanistan posted an impressive total of 325/7 on the back of Zadran's sixth ODI century. Jofra Archer and Liam Livingstone bagged three and two wickets, respectively for England.

In reply, England got off to a poor start as they lost Phil Salt and Jamie Smith inside the first seven overs. Ben Duckett and Joe Root steadied the ship before the former was dismissed for 38. Harry Brook and Jos Buttler got starts but couldn't convert them into substantial scores.

Root held the fort from one end and went on to smash his 16th ODI century, the first in almost five years. His partnership with Jamie Overton for the seventh wicket yielded 54 runs off 43 balls. With 39 runs needed for a win in more than four overs, Omarzai dismissed Root to give Afghanistan the edge. In the end, the Three Lions were bowled out for 317, giving Afghanistan an eight-run victory.