Lahore, 18 December (H.S.): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced a 15-member Pakistan Under-19 squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, reappointing Farhan Yousuf as team captain.

The tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan, and hosts Zimbabwe, will be held from December 25 to January 6, serving as vital preparation ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, which will take place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 16 to February 6. Both tournaments will be played in the 50-over format.

Currently, the Pakistan Under-19 side is competing in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai, where they finished second in Group A and are set to face Bangladesh in the semifinals on Friday. The final of the eight-team tournament is scheduled for Sunday.The PCB made only one change from the squad participating in the Asia Cup.

Right-arm pacer Umar Zaib has been included in place of left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for both the Tri-Nation Series and the World Cup.Right-arm fast bowler Ali Raza has also been named in the squad. Raza, who made headlines during the 2024 Under-19 edition, impressed at just 15 years old when he took four wickets for 34 runs against Australia in the semifinals, bringing Pakistan close to a memorable win.In that tournament, he claimed a total of nine wickets in three matches.

Pakistan Under-19 Squad:Farhan Yousuf (Captain), Usman Khan (Vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmad Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (Wicketkeeper), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Sayam, Muhammad Shayan (Wicketkeeper), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, and Umar Zaib.

Non-traveling reserves:Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hasan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, and Mohammad Huzaifa.

Tri-Nation Series Schedule:

December 25: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan — Harare Sports Club

December 27: Afghanistan vs Pakistan — Harare Sports Club

December 29: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan — Prince Edward

December 31: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan — Sunrise Sports Club

January 2: Pakistan vs Afghanistan — Sunrise Sports Club

January 4: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan — Old Hararians Sports Club

January 6: Final — Old Hararians Sports Club

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar