Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled the 15-member Pakistan U19 squad for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series in Zimbabwe and the highly anticipated ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026. Talented all-rounder Farhan Yousaf will continue to lead the side, with Usman Khan retaining his role as vice-captain.
The announcement comes as Pakistan U19 gear up for their ACC U19 Asia Cup semi-final against Bangladesh on Friday, December 19, in Dubai. A strong performance in the ongoing Asia Cup could provide crucial momentum heading into the African tour.
Key Squad Change: Umar Zaib Replaces Huzaifa
The only alteration from the current Asia Cup squad is the inclusion of promising right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib, who replaces left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa. This move adds extra pace firepower to an already balanced bowling attack featuring Ali Raza and others.
Full 15-member 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
Tri-Series in Zimbabwe: Ideal Preparation for World Cup
The tri-series, involving hosts Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, will run from December 25, 2025, to January 6, 2026. All matches will be played in the 50-over format across venues in Harare and surrounding areas.
Pakistan U19 are guaranteed at least four matches, with the top two teams advancing to the final on January 6.
Tri-Series Schedule (Pakistan Matches Highlighted):
- 27 December: Afghanistan vs Pakistan – Harare Sports Club
- 29 December: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan – Prince Edward
- 2 January: Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Sunrise Sports Club
- 4 January: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan – Old Hararians Sports Club
- 6 January: Final – Old Hararians Sports Club
ICC U19 World Cup 2026: Pakistan’s Group Fixtures Revealed
The prestigious ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
Pakistan have been drawn in a challenging group alongside England, Scotland, and hosts Zimbabwe. All of Pakistan’s group-stage matches will be played at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.
Pakistan U19 World Cup Group Fixtures:
- 16 January: Pakistan vs England
- 19 January: Pakistan vs Scotland
- 22 January: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
The Super Six stage runs from January 24 to February 1, followed by semi-finals on February 3 and 4, with the grand final scheduled for February 6 at Harare Sports Club.
Strong Support Staff Led by Sarfaraz Ahmed
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will serve as manager and mentor, bringing invaluable experience to the young side. The coaching team includes Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), and other specialists to fine-tune the team’s preparations.
With a mix of experienced Asia Cup performers and fresh talent like Umar Zaib, Pakistan U19 will aim to build on their strong youth cricket pedigree and challenge for the U19 World Cup title in 2026.
