ISLAMABAD: Pakistan open their campaign of the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup with a clash with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Friday.
The eight-team 50-over tournament, which starts on Thursday, comprises two groups. Pakistan, UAE, India and Nepal are in Group ‘A’ while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia form Group ‘B’.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for Nov 12. The final will take place on Nov 14.
Pakistan will be led by Farhan Yousuf, who also captained the side in the previous edition when Pakistan defeated India by 191 runs at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai.
Following their opening match, Pakistan will face traditional rivals India on Sunday before taking on Nepal in their final group game on Tuesday.
Talking exclusively to PCB Digital, Farhan said, “Our preparations [for the U-19 Asia Cup] have been progressing really well. The PCB’s initiative to send us to Oman ahead of the tournament has been extremely beneficial, allowing us to assess the weather, pitches and playing conditions.
“As defending champions, we understand the responsibility that comes with the title. We are not taking anything for granted and are determined to carry forward the positives from last year with the same hunger, commitment and winning mindset.
“The morale within the squad is very high and the players are confident heading into the tournament. We had a strong squad last year and the addition of new players has further strengthened the team,” he added.
Pakistan squad: Farhan Yousuf (captain), Abdul Qadir (wicket-keeper), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (wicket-keeper), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Seyam, Niqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah, Usman Khan.
Player support personnel: Shahid Anwar (head coach & team manager), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (fast bowling coach), Zohaib Khan (spin bowling coach), Humayun Farhat (fielding coach), Ubaid Ullah (physio), Ibrar Ahmed (trainer), Ali Hamza (performance analyst).
Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026
