KABUL: Afghanistan have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, set to begin on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Mahboob Khan appointed as captain.
Khan, who recently turned 19, brings valuable leadership experience to the team, having led Afghanistan in both the 2024 and 2025 U19 Asia Cup tournaments.
He will be supported by a spin-heavy bowling attack, a hallmark of Afghan cricket at all levels.
Wahidullah Zadran, the 18-year-old offspinner who has already impressed at the senior level with the Gulf Giants in last year’s ILT20, is the standout in the bowling unit.
Zadran, who also entered the IPL auction in December as one of the youngest entrants, will be backed by left-arm spinner Zaitullah Shaheen and legspinner Hafeez Zadran.
The batting lineup features promising young talents, including Khalid Ahmadzai, who has a first-class century to his name, and Uzairullah Niazai.
Pace options include Nooristani Omarzai, expected to provide the team with crucial breakthroughs.
Afghanistan earned their spot in the U19 World Cup by finishing unbeaten in last year’s Asia Qualifier, highlighting their growing strength at the youth level.
They have been drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Tanzania, and West Indies.
Afghanistan Squad:
Mahboob Khan (c), Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Aziz Mia Khil, Nazif Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Salam Khan, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab and Hafeez Zadran.
Reserves: Aqil Khan, Fahim Qasemi and Izat Noor.
Group Stage U19 World Cup Fixtures:
- January 16: vs South Africa, Windhoek
- January 18: vs West Indies, Windhoek
- January 21: vs Tanzania, Windhoek
