Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed its 15-member squad for the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2026, set to begin on 15 January across Zimbabwe and Namibia. The squad will first take part in a warm-up tri-series in Zimbabwe featuring Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe from 25 December to 6 January. Both events will be played in the 50-over format.
Pakistan U19 Team: Farhan Yousaf to Lead
The board has retained 19-year-old Farhan Yousaf as captain of the Pakistan Under-19 side. He will continue to lead the team after captaining them in recent events. Usman Khan remains the vice-captain.
This gives Pakistan continuity in leadership as they build momentum ahead of crucial matches in the treacherous conditions of Zimbabwe and Namibia. The management believes Farhan’s calm approach will help guide Pakistan through high-pressure games.
Pakistan U19 Team: Squad Announcement for ICC U19 World Cup 2026
Here’s the full list of players chosen for Pakistan’s U19 team:
- 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.
Pakistan U19 Team: Key Change in the Squad
There was just one change from the team that featured in the ongoing ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai. Umar Zaib, a right-arm fast bowler, replaces left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for both the tri-series and the World Cup.
This change shows Pakistan’s intent to strengthen their pace attack with Zaib’s new ball skills. The young pacer has impressed selectors with his ability to bowl at good speeds and trouble batsmen early.
Pakistan U19: Tri-Series Schedule and Importance
The Zimbabwe tri-series will give Pakistan valuable match practice before the World Cup. The team will play at least four matches, with the top two teams advancing to the final.
Tri-Series Fixtures Include:
- 25 Dec — Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan
- 27 Dec — Afghanistan vs Pakistan
- 29 Dec — Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
- 31 Dec — Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan
- 2 Jan — Pakistan vs Afghanistan
- 4 Jan — Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
- Final on 6 January.
These matches are vital for Pakistan as they allow the squad to adjust to conditions similar to those they will face in the U19 Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan U19 in ACC Asia Cup Form
Before this announcement, Pakistan Under-19 were competing in the ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai. They finished second in their group and will face Bangladesh in the semi-final on 19 December, with the final slated for 21 December.
Their performance in the Asia Cup tests batting and bowling balance, giving selectors confidence ahead of the global stage.
