Defending champions Pakistan appoint Farhan Yousuf captain for the 2026 ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup, with India, Nepal and the UAE awaiting in Group A.
Web Desk: Pakistan have announced a 15-member squad for the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026, with Farhan Yousuf appointed captain as the defending champions prepare to compete in Oman from November 5 to 14.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad on Tuesday, October 27, confirming that the team will depart from Karachi for Oman on October 29. Pakistan will begin their title defence against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on November 6.
The tournament will feature eight teams competing for the continental title, with Pakistan aiming to build on their success in the previous edition.
Pakistan U-19 squad for Asia Cup 2026
The 15-member squad selected by the PCB is as follows:
- Farhan Yousuf (captain)
- Abdul Qadir
- Abdul Subhan
- Ahmed Hussain
- Ali Raza
- Hamza Zahoor
- Hasnain Abbas Dar
- Hayam Khan
- Huzaifa Ahsan
- Jahangir Bilal
- Mohammad Huzaifa
- Mohammad Seyam
- Niqab Shafiq
- Rizwanullah
- Usman Khan
The squad combines players from Pakistan’s recent youth international campaigns, with Ali Raza and Huzaifa Ahsan the only players not involved in the side’s 3-1 Youth One-Day International series victory over England in September, according to published reports.
Pakistan placed in Group A with India
Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Nepal and the UAE. Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
Pakistan’s group-stage schedule is:
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| November 6 | Pakistan vs UAE |
| November 8 | Pakistan vs India |
| November 10 | Pakistan vs Nepal |
All three Pakistan group matches are scheduled to begin at 10am Pakistan Standard Time. The semi-finals are set for November 12, while the final will take place on November 14.
The match against India will be one of the key fixtures in Pakistan’s group campaign, with both sides seeking to progress to the knockout stage.
Pakistan enter tournament as defending champions
Pakistan won the previous ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup in December 2025, defeating India by 191 runs in the final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.
Opener Sameer Minhas scored 172 runs to help Pakistan post 347 for eight in 50 overs. India were subsequently dismissed for 156 in 26.2 overs, with fast bowler Ali Raza taking four wickets. The victory secured Pakistan’s first outright title in the competition.
The upcoming tournament gives Pakistan an opportunity to defend that championship against some of Asia’s leading youth teams.
Preparation ahead of the title defence
Pakistan’s recent 3-1 series win against England provides the squad with experience ahead of the continental competition. The team will now prepare for the conditions in Oman before opening its campaign against the UAE.
Captain Farhan Yousuf will lead the side through the group stage, where consistency across batting, bowling and fielding will be important for qualification to the semi-finals.
Pakistan’s immediate objective will be to progress from Group A before attempting to retain the trophy in the knockout rounds.
