Pakistan have announced their Under-19 squad for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup and a preparatory tri-nation series, signaling continuity and confidence in their young talent. The selectors have largely retained the core group, making only one change as the team prepares for competitive cricket in southern Africa.
This announcement marks an important step in Pakistan’s youth cricket calendar. Historically, Pakistan have treated Under-19 tournaments as a pathway to senior success. Several current international stars first made their mark at this level. Therefore, expectations remain high whenever a new squad takes shape.
Farhan Yousaf Continues as Captain
The selectors have once again trusted Farhan Yousaf with the captaincy. He will lead the side in both the tri-nation series and the World Cup. His continued role highlights the management’s belief in his leadership and on-field maturity.
Meanwhile, Usman Khan will serve as vice-captain. This decision ensures leadership depth within the squad. Moreover, it provides stability during high-pressure moments in long-format matches.
The selection panel made just one change to the squad. Umar Zaib has replaced Mohammad Huzayfa. This limited adjustment suggests that the selectors want consistency rather than experimentation at this stage.
Pakistan Under-19 Squad in Full
The squad includes a balanced mix of batters, bowlers, and all-rounders. As a result, the team can adapt to different match situations and pitch conditions.
The selected players are:
Farhan Yousaf (Captain), Usman Khan (Vice-Captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Umar Zaib, Hamza Zahoor, Huzayfa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Siyam, Mohammad Shayan, Naqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas.
Notably, several players have already gained experience in age-group tournaments. Consequently, the management expects them to handle the demands of international competition with confidence.
Tri-Nation Series to Test Preparations
Before the World Cup, Pakistan Under-19 will compete in a tri-nation series in Zimbabwe. The tournament will run from 25 December to 6 January. Alongside Pakistan, Afghanistan and host nation Zimbabwe will take part.
Pakistan will play at least four matches in the series. These fixtures will offer valuable match practice. More importantly, they will help the coaching staff evaluate combinations and individual roles.
Zimbabwean conditions often challenge young teams due to variable bounce and pace. At the same time, Afghanistan’s youth teams have shown steady improvement in recent years. Therefore, the series promises strong competition and meaningful preparation.
World Cup Across Namibia and Zimbabwe
The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup will take place from 15 January to 6 February. Namibia and Zimbabwe will jointly host the tournament, continuing Africa’s growing role in international cricket events.
Both the tri-nation series and the World Cup will use the 50-over format. This format demands patience, tactical awareness, and physical fitness. As a result, teams must perform consistently rather than rely on short bursts of brilliance.
In the previous Under-19 World Cup in 2022, Pakistan reached the quarter-finals. This time, the team will aim to progress deeper into the tournament and challenge stronger sides.
Building the Future of Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan’s Under-19 setup remains a key pillar of its cricketing structure. Over the years, players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have emerged from this system. Therefore, every Under-19 campaign attracts close attention from fans and selectors alike.
Success in these tournaments often accelerates a player’s career. Additionally, strong performances boost confidence and provide international exposure at a young age.
As the team prepares to depart for Zimbabwe, the focus remains clear. Pakistan want to sharpen their skills, build unity, and compete fearlessly. Ultimately, the coming weeks will reveal how well this young side can translate potential into performance on the global stage.
