KEY POINTS
- The 15-man squad, led by captain Farhan Yousaf, sees just one change from the ongoing Asia Cup team.
- Fast bowler Umar Zaib replaces spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for the upcoming tours.
- The team will first play a preparatory tri-series in Zimbabwe against Afghanistan and the hosts from December 25.
- Their ICC U19 World Cup group includes England, Scotland, and host nation Zimbabwe.
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday named its 15-man squad for two major youth tournaments: a preparatory tri-series involving Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, and the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, which begins in January.
One Change to Asia Cup Squad
The only adjustment from the team currently competing in the ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai is the inclusion of right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib. He replaces left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for the forthcoming tours.
Pakistan U19 squad announced for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 🏏
The team will also feature in a tri-series from 25 December to 6 January as part of the World Cup preparations 🗓️
Read more: https://t.co/fLahaw1wqa#PakistanFutureStars | #U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/KGUHqZbt8n
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 18, 2025
Tri-Series as Crucial Preparation
The squad will first contest a tri-series in Zimbabwe, involving Afghanistan and the hosts, from 25 December to 6 January. This series is designated as vital preparation for the global tournament. A PCB spokesperson stated, “The team has shown promising signs in the Asia Cup, and the continuity in selection reflects our confidence in this group. The tri-series provides an excellent opportunity to acclimatise to conditions before the World Cup begins.”
Immediate and Future Fixtures
The Pakistan U19 team is presently in Dubai, set to face Bangladesh in the Asia Cup semi-final on Friday, 19 December. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 21 December.
Their ICC U19 World Cup campaign will then commence on 16 January against England in Harare. Further group matches will see them play Scotland and the host nation, Zimbabwe, with the tournament finale on 6 February in Harare.
The team’s support staff for the tours will be led by former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who will serve as manager and mentor. Shahid Anwar has been named the head coach.
Pakistan U19 Squad for Tri-Series & ICC U19 World Cup
Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, Umar Zaib.
Non-traveling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Mohammad Huzaifa.
The global stage for youth cricket is ready as Namibia and Zimbabwe prepare to co-host the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, scheduled to run from January 15 to February 6.
Tournament Format and Road to the Final
Sixteen qualified nations have been split into four groups. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage. The knockout phase will feature semi-finals on February 3 and 4, culminating in the final on February 6, with all three decisive matches to be played in Zimbabwe.
Group Stage Draw
Group A: Australia (defending champions), Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka.
Group B: India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, USA.
Group C: Pakistan, England, Scotland, Zimbabwe (hosts).
Group D: Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, West Indies.
Venues
The tournament will be played across five venues:
Zimbabwe: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, Queens Sports Club.
Namibia: Namibia Cricket Ground, HP Oval.
