ISLAMABAD: Defending champions Pakistan will begin their title defence at the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 in Oman on Friday, November 6, with captain Farhan Yousaf expressing confidence in his team’s preparations and determination to retain the continental crown.
Defending champions Pakistan U19 to begin Asia Cup campaign on Friday
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/957rlBLe6A
#PakistanFutureStars https://t.co/ZpWQwCnfn0
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) November 4, 2026
The eight-team tournament will commence on Thursday, November 5, with Sri Lanka taking on Malaysia and Bangladesh facing Afghanistan at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. All matches will be played at the same venue, with the tournament scheduled to conclude with the final on November 14.
Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 12, with the winners advancing to the final two days later.
The Asian Cricket Council Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 will begin in Oman tomorrow
@TheRealPCB @EmiratesCricket
#RadioPakistan #News
https://t.co/vTQlHCbv5a— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) November 4, 2026
Farhan Yousaf confident of successful title defence
Speaking exclusively to PCB Digital, Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf said the team’s preparations had progressed well, particularly after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) arranged an early tour to Oman to help players acclimatise to local weather, pitches and playing conditions.
Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf discusses the team’s confidence and determination to defend their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title 🏆
Pakistan begin their campaign on 6 November against UAE U19 🏏
#PakistanFutureStars | #U19AsiaCup https://t.co/2G84DJ7mQi
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 4, 2026
He said the opportunity to assess the conditions before the competition had proved extremely beneficial and helped the players prepare for the challenges ahead.
“As defending champions, we understand the responsibility that comes with the title. We are not taking anything for granted and are determined to carry forward the positives from last year with the same hunger, commitment and winning mindset,” Farhan said.
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The skipper also expressed satisfaction with the team’s morale, saying the addition of new players had further strengthened an already competitive squad.
He credited the team management for providing confidence and support throughout the preparations, adding that consistency would be crucial to Pakistan’s campaign.
🇵🇰 Pakistan U19 Asia Cup Squad
A Thread 🧵
Most of the names in this squad are familiar faces who have already represented Pakistan at the U19 level.
But there are also a few new faces who deserve attention 👀
1-Farhan Yousaf ( Captain) https://t.co/q9Zcohohlg
— Humais khan (@Humireacts) October 29, 2026
Pakistan aim to repeat last year’s triumph
Pakistan enter the competition as defending champions after producing a dominant performance against India in the previous edition, winning the final by 191 runs at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai in December 2025.
Farhan Yousaf, who also captained the side in the previous tournament, will once again lead the team in their pursuit of back-to-back titles.
Read Also: Fakhar Zaman Leads Pakistan to Win Triangular ODI Cricket Series
India, meanwhile, will be looking to add to their record eight U19 Asia Cup titles. The traditional rivals are scheduled to meet on November 8 in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage encounters.
Where to watch U19 Asia Cup 2026 live
Cricket fans in Pakistan can follow the tournament through Ten Sports and available digital streaming platforms, including Tapmad. Other regional streaming options include Sony LIV in India and Willow TV in North America.
The opening matches will begin at 9am Oman time (10am Pakistan Standard Time and 10:30am Indian Standard Time).
Defending champions Pakistan announce squad for ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 🏆
We begin our title defence on 6 November against UAE U19 🏏
#AsiaCup | #PakistanFutureStars https://t.co/niNQlkQ7kp
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 27, 2026
Pakistan’s schedule at U19 Asia Cup 2026
All Pakistan group-stage matches will begin at 10am Pakistan Standard Time.
- November 6: Pakistan vs UAE – OCA Ground 2
- November 8: Pakistan vs India – OCA Ground 1
- November 10: Pakistan vs Nepal – OCA Ground 1
- November 12: Semi-finals
- November 14: Final
Pakistan U19 squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Abdul Qadir (wicketkeeper), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Seyam, Niqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah, Usman Khan
