Pakistan Unveil U19 Squad for Asia Cup as Farhan Takes Charge

Pakistan’s hunt for youth clarity took another step on Tuesday when the PCB confirmed a 15-man squad for the ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai. Farhan Yousuf, already seen as one of the sharper emerging batters in the system, will guide the group while Usman Khan serves as his deputy. The tone inside the camp felt upbeat, and the timing suits Pakistan’s long-term plans ahead of the 2026 U19 World Cup.

The tournament, set for December 12 to 21, features eight sides split into two groups. Pakistan slotted into Group A with India, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3. The broader picture may look simple, yet the stakes are higher than they appear. 

Farhan Steps Into Leadership Role with Rising Confidence

Farhan’s elevation was hardly a surprise. He looked assured throughout the National Men’s U19 Cup, stacking 369 runs across seven matches. One century, two solid half-centuries, and a string of mature knocks left coaches nodding with approval. He played in last year’s Asia Cup too, which quietly gives this young side a touch of continuity.

His deputy, Usman Khan, brings another strong campaign into the equation. Usman cracked 429 runs in the same domestic event, including two centuries. At times, he made batting look strangely easy. That confidence could serve Pakistan well when the pressure peaks in Dubai. He walked off the field several times this season with a grin that told its own story. Players feed off that energy.

Few outside the setup expected Pakistan to shuffle leadership this smoothly. Yet here they are, backing two players who earned their stripes through performance rather than potential alone.

A Packed Schedule Awaits as Pakistan Eyes Early Momentum

Pakistan will open their Asia Cup run on December 12 against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium. Their meeting with India follows on December 14 at the ICC Academy Ground, a fixture that always carries its own weight. You could almost hear the anticipation when the schedule dropped. The path through Group A looks tight, even tricky, but that tension often sharpens young teams.

Their final group match comes on December 16 against Qualifier 1 at the same venue. Semi-finals are set three days later and the title clash will close the tournament on December 21. One long week, high heat, new conditions and very little room to stumble. That’s the kind of stretch that shapes futures.

Training Camp In Karachi Begins As Support Staff Settle Plans

The squad assembled in Karachi today for a short yet intense training block before flying out to Dubai. Camps like these often reveal small details the public never notices.

Pakistan’s support staff is stacked with experience. Sarfaraz Ahmed joins as manager and mentor, while Shahid Anwar leads coaching duties with Rao Iftikhar, Mansoor Amjad, Abrar Ahmed, Ubaidullah and analyst Ali Hamza supporting the program. Sarfaraz’s presence alone tends to lift the energy. 

Pakistan’s run to the semi-finals in the previous edition is still remembered in the corridors. They were competitive but fell just short against Bangladesh. That memory still lingers for a few returnees, which might sharpen their edge this time.

Full squad (15 players)

Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas

Non-traveling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Umar Zaib

Closing Stretch

The Asia Cup remains a key part of Pakistan’s build-up to the 2026 U19 World Cup. Once the tournament begins in Dubai, the young squad will face genuine competitive pressure and conditions that mirror major-event demands. Performances here often reveal who can handle higher levels and who still needs time. For Pakistan’s setup, this event is simply a practical test of readiness.