Pakistan unveil squad for U19 World Cup 2026
The previous edition's semi-finalists have made just one tweak to their squad that is competing at the ongoing U19 Asia Cup in Dubai.
19-year-old middle-order batter Farhan Yousaf will remain at the helm of Pakistan U19 after a 15-member squad was confirmed for the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe and the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place across Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February.
Pakistan U19 are currently in action at the ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, where they are set to face Bangladesh in the semi-final on Friday, 19 December, after finishing second in Group A. The final of the eight-team tournament will be held on Sunday, 21 December.
There is just one change from the squad named for the Asia Cup, with right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib coming in for left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for both the tri-series and the U19 World Cup.
Ali Raza in action against Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024. // Getty Images
Right-arm pacer Ali Raza, who shone at the 2024 edition of the tournament, has been named in the squad for the upcoming tournament too. Just 15 at the time, Raza’s 4 for 34 against Australia in the semi-final almost carried Pakistan to a famous win. The pacer had picked up nine wickets in just three games at the tournament.
The tri-series, involving Afghanistan, Pakistan and hosts Zimbabwe, will be played from 25 December to 6 January and will act as key preparation for the 50-over U19 World Cup.
Pakistan U19 squad:
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-travelling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Mohammad Huzaifa