Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Oman from November 5 to 14. The defending champions will enter the continental competition with the ambition of retaining their crown, with Farhan Yousaf appointed captain of a squad featuring a blend of experienced youth internationals and promising newcomers. Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Farhan Yousaf to lead Pakistan’s U19 squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named a balanced squad for the upcoming tournament, with wicketkeeper-batters Abdul Qadir and Hamza Zahoor providing options behind the stumps. The batting department also includes Usman Khan, Hayam Khan, Jahangir Bilal and Huzaifa Ahsan, who will be expected to contribute with the bat throughout the competition.
Ahmed Hussain and Hasnain Abbas Dar have been selected as the team’s all-rounders, giving the side additional flexibility in both departments. Meanwhile, the pace attack features Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Seyam, Ali Raza and Rizwanullah.
Notably, 13 of the 15 selected players were part of Pakistan’s U19 team that defeated England 3-1 in a four-match Youth ODI series in September. Ali Raza and Huzaifa are the only two players who were not involved in that series.
Defending champions aim to repeat previous success
Pakistan will arrive in Oman with confidence after winning the previous edition of the U19 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates. They produced a dominant performance in the final against India, securing a comprehensive 191-run victory at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.
That result gave Pakistan a memorable triumph over their biggest rivals and established them as the team to beat heading into the 2026 edition. However, defending the title will require consistent performances across the group stage and knockout rounds, particularly with India once again featuring in their group.
The tournament will also provide an important platform for Pakistan’s young cricketers to test themselves against some of Asia’s strongest emerging teams. With several members of the squad having already played together in the England series, the side will hope that their existing understanding translates into strong performances in Oman.
Pakistan will begin their title defence against the UAE on November 6. They will then face India on November 8 in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage before concluding their Group A campaign against Nepal on November 10.
Pakistan Squad for U19 Asia Cup 2026
Farhan Yousuf (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 and Usman Khan
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