Pakistan U19 Squad Named for England Tour With Farhan as Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed a 15-member squad for the national Under-19 team's upcoming England tour, with Farhan Yousaf set to lead the side across a demanding five-match programme.

The Pakistan U19 England tour begins on September 2 with a four-day Youth Test against England at Arundel Castle Cricket Ground. The red-ball fixture will be followed by four Youth ODIs, giving the young players a chance to adapt to different formats and conditions.

Farhan returns as captain after leading Pakistan to the ACC U19 Asia Cup title in December last year. The right-handed batter will be one of three designated batters in the squad alongside Usman Khan and Hasnain Abbas Dar.

The bowling group includes four pacers in Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan, Rizwanullah and Umar Zaib. Left-arm wrist-spinner Mohammad Huzaifa and left-arm spinner Niqab Shafiq provide the main spin options.

There is also plenty of all-round depth, with Aliyan Salman, Ahmad Hussain, Jahangir Bilal and Hayam Khan included in the travelling party. Hamza Zahoor and Abdul Qadir are the two wicketkeeping options.

Several members already have Pakistan U19 experience. Farhan, Subhan, Ahmad, Hamza, Sayyam, Huzaifa, Niqab, Umar and Usman have previously represented the side, while the remaining players are in line for their first appearances at this level.

The squad has already completed its pre-tour preparations at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The camp concluded with a two-day red-ball intra-squad match on Tuesday, giving the players valuable preparation ahead of the longer-format opener.

The Pakistan U19 squad will depart for England on Sunday, August 30, from Lahore.

Shahid Anwar has been appointed head coach, with Rao Iftikhar Anjum working as fast bowling coach, Zohaib Khan handling spin bowling and Humayun Farhat overseeing fielding.

The tour moves quickly after the Youth Test. The first ODI will be played at Arundel on September 9, followed by matches at Guildford on September 12 and Wormsley on September 14 and 16.

Pakistan's schedule leaves little room for adjustment. The young players will face a mix of red-ball and white-ball cricket within two weeks, making the tour an important test of their adaptability and temperament.

Pakistan U19 England Tour Schedule

• Youth Test: September 2-5, Arundel
• 1st Youth ODI: September 9, Arundel
• 2nd Youth ODI: September 12, Guildford
• 3rd Youth ODI: September 14, Wormsley
• 4th Youth ODI: September 16, Wormsley

Non-travelling reserves: Abbas Afridi, Ali Hasnain Badshah, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan and Ibtisam Azhar.