Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for U19 Asia Cup 2025 Ahead of High-Stakes India Clash

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its 15-member squad for the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, confirming promising batter Farhan Yousuf as captain for the tournament in Dubai. The event will take place from December 12 to 21, with Pakistan placed in Group A alongside India, Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3. The team begins its preparation in Karachi, where a training camp has been set up to finalise player roles and match plans.

Farhan Yousuf will lead the squad, while Usman Khan has been appointed vice-captain. The PCB also confirmed that former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will travel as team manager, reflecting a leadership setup designed to support young players with international experience. The rest of the squad features Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Moman Qamar, Muhammad Huzaifa, Muhammad Sayyam and Muhammad Shayan, with Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas rounding off the playing group.

The tournament opens for Pakistan on December 12 at the Sevens Stadium, where they face Qualifier 3. The much-anticipated Pakistan versus India fixture is scheduled for December 14 at the ICC Academy, shaping up as an early marquee match that will likely influence group standings. Pakistan conclude the group stage on December 16 against Qualifier 1, with the semi-final scheduled for December 19 and the tournament final on December 21.

The U19 Asia Cup is regarded as an important platform for emerging talent, especially with players preparing to transition into senior-level domestic and international cricket. Expectations around the squad will be high, with Pakistan historically competitive in youth tournaments and eager to showcase depth in batting, pace and spin. The management’s focus during the Karachi camp is expected to be on field discipline, tactical awareness and adapting quickly to UAE conditions.

The upcoming India match adds increased competitive intensity to Pakistan’s campaign. Rivalry fixtures at junior level often shape careers early, and both teams will view the contest as more than just a group-stage meeting. For Pakistan, the presence of a stable leadership setup, experienced support staff and a balanced squad offers renewed optimism heading into the tournament.

Pakistan’s involvement in the U19 Asia Cup will be closely watched, not just for results, but for the performance of emerging talent that may soon form part of the national pipeline. With the squad now confirmed and preparations underway, the countdown to Dubai’s opening game has officially begun.