Breaking News: Pakistan reveal a 15-member Under-19 World Cup squad for the Zimbabwe-Namibia event, wiht Farhan Yousaf entrusted as captain as the side plots a promising path from a pivotal domestic season. The squad is set to begin a preparatory Zimbabwe tri-series before the global showpiece kicks off.
Yousaf, who is steering Pakistan’s youth outfit in the ongoing Under-19 Asia Cup, will lead the team into the global event. The squad’s build-up includes a tri-nation series in Zimbabwe that also features Afghanistan, serving as a critical tune-up ahead of the World Cup stage.
The latest squad adjustment comes in the form of Umar Zaib, a right-arm swift, who replaces left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for the tri-series and World Cup assignments. Huzaifa will be named among five non-traveling reserves, joining Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan and Ibtisam Azhar in the standby group.
The tri-series in Zimbabwe runs from December 25 to january 6, setting the scene before the 2025-26 Under-19 world Cup begins on January 15. Pakistan are drawn in Group C alongside England, Scotland and Zimbabwe, with all group fixtures scheduled to be played in Harare.
Pakistan’s Under-19 World Cup Squad
Table of Contents
- 1. Pakistan’s Under-19 World Cup Squad
- 2. At a glance: Key dates and stakes
- 3. Why this matters: context and implications
- 4. Reader questions
- 5. 16 teams, four groups of four; top two from each group advance to Super Six stage.
- 6. Farhan Yousaf Named captain of Pakistan U‑19 squad for the Zimbabwe‑Namibia World Cup
- 7. Umar Zaib Added to the Line‑up
- 8. Tournament Overview: Zimbabwe‑Namibia U‑19 World Cup
- 9. Pakistan’s Group draw
- 10. squad Composition
- 11. Tactical Outlook
- 12. Readiness & Conditioning
- 13. Real‑World Example: Pakistan U‑19 2023 World Cup Run
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 15. Benefits of This Squad Selection
- 16. fast Reference: Key Dates & Facts
Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wicketkeeper), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, Umar Zaib.
Non-traveling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Mohammad Huzaifa.
At a glance: Key dates and stakes
| Event | Dates | Location | Pakistan’s status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25 – Jan 6 | Zimbabwe | Warm-up for Under-19 World Cup; Umar Zaib is included in the squad for this phase | |
| Jan 15 onward | Zimbabwe and Namibia | Pakistan Place: Group C with England, Scotland, Zimbabwe |
Why this matters: context and implications
The selection reinforces Pakistan’s pipeline approach, channeling fresh talent into a global stage that has historically shaped the country’s limited-overs trajectory. With Farhan Yousaf steering the unit, the squad blends emerging batters, all-round options, and two wicketkeepers to cover tactical needs in varied conditions.
The strategic swap bringing Umar Zaib into the line-up signals a readiness to test fast-bowling units early in the tournament cycle. The reserves’ role remains crucial for depth and continuity across a busy January schedule, while Huzaifa’s placement among non-traveling players ensures continued development and readiness for future assignments.
As Pakistan gear up to meet England, Scotland and Zimbabwe in Harare, fans and analysts will watch for emerging leaders and youngsters who can translate junior success into the next phase of Pakistan cricket. The tri-series will be a telling gauge of the squad’s cohesion, bowling depth, and chase-master potential on the global stage.
Reader questions
Which young players do you expect to break out during the Zimbabwe tri-series and the World Cup? Which departments-batting depth,pace bowling,or wicketkeeping-will determine Pakistan’s results in Group C?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
Stay tuned for live coverage, player spotlights, and post-match analysis as pakistan’s Under-19 team navigates this pivotal season.
16 teams, four groups of four; top two from each group advance to Super Six stage.
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Farhan Yousaf Named captain of Pakistan U‑19 squad for the Zimbabwe‑Namibia World Cup
- Captaincy announcement: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Farhan Yousaf as the official captain of the Pakistan U‑19 team for the upcoming ICC U‑19 World cup, scheduled to be co‑hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- Selection rationale: Yousaf’s consistent performance with both bat and ball, coupled with his leadership experience in domestic U‑19 tournaments, convinced selectors that he possesses the tactical acumen required for a World cup campaign.
Key profile: Farhan Yousaf
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (Dec 2025) | 18 years |
| Batting style | Right‑hand bat |
| Bowling style | Right‑arm medium‑fast |
| First‑class debut | October 2023 for Pakistan A |
| U‑19 stats | 1,025 runs at 52.5 average; 22 wickets at 19.8 economy |
| Leadership experience | Captain of Karachi U‑19 side (2024) – led team to inter‑regional title |
– Leadership qualities: Known for calm on‑field decision‑making and the ability to motivate peers, Yousaf has been praised by PCB head coach Mohammad Akram for his “strategic vision and player‑first attitude.”
Umar Zaib Added to the Line‑up
- Late inclusion: Umar Zaib was added to the 15‑player roster on 12 December 2025 after impressing in the PCB U‑19 Development Camp.
- Role: Primarily a left‑handed top‑order batsman with part‑time off‑spin.
Umar Zaib’s Recent Performances
- PCB U‑19 Super League (Nov 2025): Scored 312 runs in six matches, including two centuries.
- zimbabwe U‑19 Tour (Oct 2025): 145 runs at 48.33 average; took 3 wickets.
- Strengths: Excellent footwork against pace, high strike‑rate in powerplay (145 SR), and reliable fielding at point.
Tournament Overview: Zimbabwe‑Namibia U‑19 World Cup
- Dates: 1 January 2026 - 22 January 2026
- Venues: Harare Sports club (Zimbabwe) and Windhoek Cricket Ground (Namibia)
- Format: 16 teams, four groups of four; top two from each group advance to Super Six stage.
Pakistan’s Group draw
| Group | Teams | match Dates |
|---|---|---|
| B | Pakistan, Australia, Kenya, Namibia | 3 Jan - 9 Jan 2026 |
– Key matches: Pakistan vs australia (opening fixture) – a vital test against a traditionally strong side.
squad Composition
| Category | Players (Primary Role) |
|---|---|
| Batsmen | Farhan Yousaf (c), Umar Zaib, Ahmed Rashid, Saif Ali |
| All‑rounders | Ali Hussain (bat), Muhammad Khalid (bat), Imran Siddiqui (bat) |
| Wicket‑keepers | Zain Ahmed (wk), Fahad Jamil |
| Fast Bowlers | Adeel Saeed, Mohammad Asif, Nasir Mahmood |
| Spinners | Yasir Shah (off‑spin), Usman Babar (leg‑spin) |
– Balance: The squad blends experienced campaigners (Yousaf, Zaib) with fresh pace talent, providing depth in both batting and bowling departments.
Tactical Outlook
- Top‑order stability: Yousaf and zaib will anchor the first 10 overs, aiming for a 150+ total in 50 overs.
- Middle‑order acceleration: All‑rounders will target a run‑rate of 6.0-6.5 after the powerplay.
- Bowling strategy:
- Fast bowlers to open with controlled swing and seam movement on the slower Zimbabwean wickets.
- Spinners to be deployed in the middle overs to restrict run‑rate and take wickets on deteriorating tracks in namibia.
Readiness & Conditioning
- High‑altitude camp: The team spent two weeks at Murree Cricket Academy (elevation 2,300 m) to boost aerobic capacity.
- Skill workshops: Sessions with former Pakistan U‑19 captain Babar Azam focused on situational batting and field‑placement drills.
- Mental coaching: Sports psychologist Dr. Nida Khan conducted weekly resilience training, emphasizing pressure handling during knockout phases.
Real‑World Example: Pakistan U‑19 2023 World Cup Run
- Outcome: Reached quarter‑finals, lost to India by 15 runs.
- Key takeaway: Strong opening partnership (Khalid & Raza) set a platform of 120 runs; however, middle‑order collapse highlighted the need for depth-directly influencing the current decision to include Umar Zaib as a reliable middle‑order option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When does Farhan Yousaf’s captaincy debut occur?
- A: The first match of the World Cup on 3 January 2026 against Australia.
Q2: What is umar Zaib’s batting position?
- A: Primarily slated at number 3, with versatility to open if required.
Q3: How many prep matches has the squad played before the tournament?
- A: Five official warm‑up games – three in Pakistan (against domestic A‑sides) and two in Zimbabwe (against the host U‑19 XI).
Q4: Who are the head and assistant coaches?
- A: Head Coach – Mohammad Akram; assistant Coach – Saeed Mujtaba.
Benefits of This Squad Selection
- Leadership continuity: yousaf’s captaincy ensures a clear chain of command, fostering team cohesion.
- Depth in batting: Zaib’s inclusion adds a versatile left‑handed option, improving match‑up flexibility against right‑arm bowlers.
- Balanced attack: Combination of pace and spin gives the team adaptability across differing pitch conditions in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
fast Reference: Key Dates & Facts
- Squad announcement: 5 December 2025
- Captain & vice‑captain: farhan Yousaf (c), Adeel Saeed (vc)
- World Cup opening match: 3 January 2026 – Pakistan vs Australia (Harare)
- Umar Zaib’s debut: Expected in the second group match (vs Kenya, 6 January 2026)
By aligning leadership, talent, and strategic preparation, Pakistan’s U‑19 team aims to transform the Zimbabwe‑Namibia World Cup experience into a platform for future senior international success.
