The ACC U19 Asia Cup 2026 begins in Oman on Thursday, November 5, with defending champions Pakistan opening their campaign against the UAE in Muscat on Friday, November 6. Pakistan, the UAE, India and Nepal are in Group A of the eight-team, 50-over tournament, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia make up Group B.
The top two sides from each group reach the semi-finals on November 12, and the final is on November 14. After their opener, Pakistan face arch-rivals India on Sunday, November 8, and Nepal on November 10.
Farhan Yousaf again leads the side; under his captaincy Pakistan beat India by 191 runs in the previous edition's final in Dubai. He said sending the team to Oman early had helped the players read the weather, pitches and conditions. "As defending champions, we understand the responsibility that comes with the title. We are not taking anything for granted," he said, adding that morale was high and new players had strengthened the squad.
Pakistan's 15-member squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Abdul Qadir (wk), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Seyam, Niqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah and Usman Khan. Shahid Anwar is head coach and team manager, with Rao Iftikhar Anjum as fast-bowling coach and Zohaib Khan as spin-bowling coach.