Pakistan Name U19 Squad for 2026 World Cup campaign

Pakistan have unveiled a 15-member squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, opting for continuity as preparations move into their final stretch. The tournament will run from January 15 to February 6 across Zimbabwe and Namibia, with a tri-series beforehand to sharpen match readiness.

Middle-order batter Farhan Yousaf will continue as captain, a call that underlines the management’s confidence in his calm handling of pressure situations. The 19-year-old has been a steady presence through the current ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, where Pakistan finished second in Group A and booked a semi-final meeting with Bangladesh on December 19.

One Change, Clear Thinking

Selectors made just a single adjustment from the Asia Cup squad. Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib replaces left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for both the Zimbabwe tri-series and the World Cup. The move suggests a pace-heavy approach for African conditions, where bounce and carry often dictate terms.

Pakistan’s pace depth remains a talking point. Ali Raza, who left a strong impression at the previous U19 World Cup, retains his place. Still only 15 during the last edition, his four-wicket spell against Australia in the semi-final nearly dragged Pakistan into a famous result. Nine wickets in three matches announced him as a prospect with a sharp edge.

Asia Cup form Sets the Tone

The ongoing U19 Asia Cup has offered valuable game time rather than perfect results. Pakistan’s run to the semi-finals has tested combinations, exposed minor gaps, and provided clarity on roles. Batters such as Usman Khan and Abdul Subhan have rotated responsibility, while the bowling group has shared workloads without leaning on a single option.

The tri-series against Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, scheduled from December 25 to January 6, is expected to act as a rehearsal rather than a trial, and by then, the playing group will already know where they stand.

Focus Shifts to Execution

With squad questions settled early, attention now turns to execution. Fielding standards, death-over control, and batting through the middle overs remain areas under constant review. Coaches have stressed decision-making over flair, a theme that runs through the selection itself.

Pakistan entered the last U19 World Cup as semi-finalists, and this group carries that memory without the weight of it. Familiar faces, minimal disruption, and a clear roadmap suggest a side built to compete, not just participate.

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.