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LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ushered in a new era by officially naming legendary former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed as the manager and mentor of the Pakistan U19 squad for the highly anticipated ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, set to electrify Dubai from 12 to 21 December.
This exciting announcement coincides with the unveiling of Pakistan’s dynamic 15-member squad for the prestigious 50-over showdown, where the talented Farhan Yousaf, returning after last year’s campaign, is set to lead as captain.
Pakistan has been placed in Group A, which includes arch-rivals India, along with Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3. Meanwhile, Group B consists of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Qualifier 2.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Experience Boosts Pakistan U19 Setup
With vast international experience, Sarfaraz joins the youth setup. Over his dynamic career, his contributions include:
- Tests: 54 matches, 3,031 runs (4 centuries, 21 fifties)
- ODIs: 117 matches, 2,315 runs (2 centuries, 11 fifties)
- T20Is: 61 matches, 818 runs (3 fifties)
As a captain, Sarfaraz etched his name in history by leading Pakistan to a dramatic victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where the team toppled India by 180 runs in a thrilling final.
His stellar captaincy record speaks volumes: a 70% win rate in Tests, 62.5% during the gripping 2019 Cricket World Cup, and a commanding 78.37% in T20Is.
The last time Sarfaraz played for Pakistan was in a Test match against Australia at Perth in 2023.
Support Staff for Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan U19 coaching team for the upcoming tournament includes:
- Head Coach/Batting Coach: Shahid Anwar
- Bowling Coach: Rao Iftikhar
- Fielding Coach: Mansoor Amjad
- Trainer: Abrar Ahmed
- Physiotherapist: Ubaidullah
- Analyst: Ali Hamza
Pakistan U19 Squad for ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025
Main Squad:
Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan (vc), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas
Non-Travelling Reserves:
Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Umar Zaib
Tournament Importance
Acting as a crucial test run, the ACC U19 Asia Cup gives Pakistan vital preparation ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.
Pakistan’s Match Schedule
- 12 December: vs Qualifier 3 – The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
- 14 December: vs India – ICC Academy Ground
- 16 December: vs Qualifier 1
- 19 December: Semi-Finals
- 21 December: Final
The blend of Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership and the squad’s youthful energy puts Pakistan in a strong position to build momentum ahead of the U19 World Cup.
Read More: PCB Confirms Pakistan’s 2026 T20I Tour of Sri Lanka