Pakistan Unveils U-19 Squad for Asia Cup Title Defense in Oman

KARACHI: Defending champions Pakistan have announced a 15-member squad for the U-19 Asia Cup, set to take place in Oman from November 5 to 14. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the team will depart from Karachi on October 29, aiming to retain their title.

Farhan Yousuf will captain the squad, which features a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. The team includes wicket-keeper-batters Abdul Qadir and Hamza Zahoor, alongside batters Usman Khan, Hayam Khan, Jahangir Bilal, and Huzaifa Ahsan. All-rounders Ahmed Hussain and Hasnain Abbas Dar are also part of the lineup, while the pace attack is bolstered by Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Seyam, Ali Raza, and Rizwanullah. Mohammad Huzaifa and Niqab Shafiq will serve as the primary spin options. Notably, only Ali Raza and Huzaifa Ahsan were not part of the U-19 squad that recently triumphed over England in a four-match Youth ODI series.

This tournament holds significant importance for Pakistan, who won the last edition in the UAE by defeating arch-rivals India by a staggering 191 runs in the final. The team has been placed in Group ‘A’ alongside India, Nepal, and hosts the United Arab Emirates, setting the stage for intense competition.

As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching how the young talents will perform on an international stage. The PCB’s strategic selection aims to build a strong foundation for future cricketing endeavors, with hopes of another successful campaign in Oman.