Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has questioned the selection of the national squad for the 2026 U19 Asia Cup, saying youth cricket should focus on developing young talent rather than being limited to winning tournaments.
According to private TV channel Express News, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a 15-member squad on Tuesday for the ACC U19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Oman from November 5 to 14. Farhan Yousaf has retained the captaincy, while 10 players from last year’s U19 Asia Cup squad have been selected again.
In a post on social media platform X, Hafeez wrote that around 400 players participate in regional U19 tournaments every year. He warned that repeatedly selecting already experienced players solely to secure victories could undermine the hopes of emerging cricketers. However, he also expressed his best wishes for Pakistan cricket.
Fast bowler Ali Raza has been part of Pakistan’s age-group teams since the 2024 U19 World Cup and has also represented Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League. Captain Farhan Yousaf has previously led Pakistan in the 2024 U19 Asia Cup and the 2026 U19 World Cup.
Pakistan won the 2025 U19 Asia Cup title by defeating India in the final.
The Pakistan U19 squad comprises Farhan Yousaf (captain), Abdul Qadir (wicketkeeper), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Muhammad Huzaifa, Muhammad Siam, Naqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah and Usman Khan.
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