Pakistan name U-19 squad to face India, Nepal and UAE in Asia Cup
Pakistan announce 15-member squad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named 15 players for the Under-19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Oman from November 5 to 14. Farhan Yousuf will captain the team, which is due to leave Karachi for Oman on October 29.
The squad includes wicketkeeper-batters Abdul Qadir and Hamza Zahoor, along with Usman Khan, Hayam Khan, Jahangir Bilal and Huzaifa Ahsan. All-rounders Ahmed Hussain and Hasnain Abbas Dar have also been selected for the tournament.
Bowlers selected for title defence
Pakistan’s fast-bowling options include Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Seyam, Ali Raza and Rizwanullah. Mohammad Huzaifa and Niqab Shafiq have been picked as the team’s main spin bowlers.
Only two players in the squad, Ali Raza and Huzaifa Ahsan, were not part of the Pakistan Under-19 team that beat England 3-1 in a four-match Youth ODI series in September. The selection brings together players with recent experience of international youth cricket.
Pakistan to face India in group stage
Pakistan have been placed in Group ‘A’ with India, Nepal and hosts the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team will open its campaign against the UAE on November 6, face India on November 8 and play Nepal on November 10.
Group ‘B’ includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The semi-finals are scheduled for November 12, while the final will take place on November 14.
Coaching staff and previous title
Pakistan won the previous edition of the tournament in the UAE after defeating India by 191 runs in the final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. The team will now attempt to defend that title in Oman.
Shahid Anwar has been appointed head coach and team manager, while Rao Iftikhar Anjum will work as fast-bowling coach. Zohaib Khan will coach the spinners, and Humayun Farhat will serve as fielding coach.
Pakistan U-19 squad: 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.
Pakistan will enter the tournament as defending champions, with a challenging group that includes India. Strong performances in the group stage will be important if the team hopes to reach the final and keep its title.
Also read: Pakistan to host Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028
