Pakistan announce U-19 squad for ICC World Cup, tri-nation series

LAHORE: Pakistan on Tuesday announced their national Under-19 squad for the upcoming ICC U-19 World Cup and a preparatory tri-nation series to be held in Zimbabwe.

Farhan Yousuf will continue to lead the Pakistan U-19 side, while one change has been made to the previously announced squad, with Umar Zeb included in place of Muhammad Huzaifa.

Additionally, several new players have been added to strengthen the squad ahead of the major assignments. Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch and Ali Raza have been named in the team, while Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan and Umar Zeb have also earned selection.

The squad further includes Moman Qamar, Muhammad Sayyam, Muhammad Shayan, Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas.

Pakistan U-19 will first take part in a tri-nation series featuring Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe. The series will be played in Zimbabwe from December 25 to January 6, with Pakistan scheduled to play at least four matches. The final of the tri-nation series will be held on January 6.

Following the tri-series, the ICC U-19 World Cup will be staged jointly in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, where Pakistan will aim to build on their preparations and challenge for the title.