Farhan Yousaf will continue to lead Pakistan Under-19 as the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the 15-member squad for the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe and the ICC Under-19 World Cup, marking a crucial phase in the team’s build-up to the global tournament.
The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, will be held from 25 December to 6 January and will serve as a key preparatory event ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February. Both competitions will be played in the 50-over format.
Pakistan U19 are currently in action at the ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, where they are set to face Bangladesh in the semi-final on Friday, 19 December. The final of the eight-team tournament is scheduled for Sunday, 21 December, also in Dubai.
The squad for the tri-series and the World Cup remains largely unchanged from the Asia Cup, with only one alteration. Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib has been included in the 15-member squad, replacing left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for both tournaments.
Pakistan will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, with the top two teams progressing to the final on 6 January. The fixtures will be spread across multiple venues in Harare, providing the young side with valuable exposure to varied conditions ahead of the World Cup.
Farhan Yousaf will continue as captain, with Usman Khan serving as vice-captain. The squad blends experience from recent tournaments with emerging talent, reflecting the PCB’s focus on continuity and stability as the team prepares for one of the most significant events in age-group cricket.
15-member 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 and Umar Zaib
Non-traveling reserves:
Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa
The support staff for the tour includes former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as manager and mentor, alongside Shahid Anwar as head coach and batting coach, Rao Iftikhar as bowling coach, Mansoor Amjad as fielding coach, Abrar Ahmed as trainer, Ubaidullah as physiotherapist, and Ali Hamza as analyst.
Pakistan’s ICC U19 World Cup campaign will begin against England on 16 January at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, followed by matches against Scotland on 19 January and Zimbabwe on 22 January at the same venue. The Super Six stage will run from 24 January to 1 February, with the semi-finals scheduled for 3 and 4 February, and the final set to take place on 6 February in Harare.
With continuity in leadership and a carefully selected squad, Pakistan U19 will be aiming to translate their strong preparation into a deep run at the World Cup and reaffirm their status as one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses.
Tri-series fixtures:
25 December – Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, Harare Sports Club
27 December – Afghanistan v Pakistan, Harare Sports Club
29 December – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Prince Edward
31 December – Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
2 January – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
4 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Old Hararians Sports Club
6 January – Final, Old Hararians Sports Club
ICC U19 World Cup Pakistan’ fixtures:
16 January – Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
19 January – Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches
3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
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