Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations for the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026, saying the defending champions are determined to retain their title and build on last year’s success.
Speaking exclusively to PCB Digital, Farhan said the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to send the squad to Oman ahead of the tournament had significantly benefited the players by allowing them to adjust to local weather, pitches and playing conditions.
“Our preparations have been progressing really well. The PCB’s initiative to send us to Oman ahead of the tournament has been extremely beneficial, allowing us to assess the weather, pitches and playing conditions,” he said.
Farhan Emphasises Responsibility of Defending Champions
The Pakistan skipper acknowledged the responsibility that comes with entering the competition as defending champions. He stressed that the team would not become complacent and intended to maintain the standards established during last year’s campaign.
“As defending champions, we understand the responsibility that comes with the title. We are not taking anything for granted and are determined to carry forward the positives from last year with the same hunger, commitment and winning mindset,” Farhan said.
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He also expressed satisfaction with the squad’s morale, confidence and balance, noting that the addition of new players had further strengthened the team.
“The morale within the squad is very high and the players are confident heading into the tournament. We had a strong squad last year and the addition of new players has further strengthened the team,” he added.
Farhan credited the team management for providing consistent support and confidence throughout the preparations. He said maintaining consistency would be essential to Pakistan’s title defence.
Pakistan to Open Campaign Against UAE
The eight-team tournament will begin in Oman on Thursday, with Pakistan scheduled to face the UAE in their opening match on Friday at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat.
The participating teams have been divided into two groups. Pakistan, the UAE, India and Nepal are in Group A, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia make up Group B.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 12. The tournament final will take place on Saturday, November 14.
Farhan will captain Pakistan for the second consecutive edition after leading the side to the title last year. Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India by 191 runs at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai to secure the championship.
After their opening match against the UAE, Pakistan will face India on November 8 before completing their group-stage campaign against Nepal on November 10.
Pakistan U19 Squad
- Farhan Yousaf (captain)
- Abdul Qadir (wicketkeeper)
- Abdul Subhan
- Ahmed Hussain
- Ali Raza
- Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper)
- Hasnain Abbas Dar
- Hayam Khan
- Huzaifa Ahsan
- Jahangir Bilal
- Mohammad Huzaifa
- Mohammad Seyam
- Niqab Shafiq
- Rizwanullah
- Usman Khan
Pakistan’s Fixtures – ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026
| Date | Fixture | Venue | November 6 | Pakistan vs UAE | OCA Ground 2 | November 8 | Pakistan vs India | OCA Ground 1 | November 10 | Pakistan vs Nepal | OCA Ground 1 | November 12 | Semi-finals | Oman | November 14 | Final | Oman |
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