England reveal squad for U19 World Cup

LONDON: Wicket-keeper Thomas Rew is set to lead the 15-member England side for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, which is set to be hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Somerset batter Rew has recently been involved in the England Lions tour of Australia and has been handed the responsibility of leading the side, while Farhan Ahmed, who previously led the side against West Indies U19 in the Youth ODI series, is named as his deputy.

Among the notable inclusions is left-arm spinner Ali Farooq, who is included in the squad for the first time.

Following the announcement, head coach Michael Yardy expressed confidence in the side’s ability to do something special.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the players we have selected to not only wear an England shirt at a World Cup but also to go out and try and do something special,” he said.

“We have a balanced squad with a core group of players who already have county experience and who have developed a camaraderie while playing together for the U19s that will serve them well during the tournament,” he added.

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He backed players to shine and show their real gameplay in the World Cup.

“I really want the players to enjoy the opportunity to play at a World Cup, in a beautiful country like Zimbabwe, and to embrace the chance to compete against different countries and show their quality,” Yardy concluded.

For the unversed, the 16th edition of the event will be held from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

The tournament will continue with its familiar format: 16 teams, four groups, 41 matches, and a Super Six stage leading into semi-finals and a final.

The sides will begin arriving on 8 January for warm-ups scheduled from 9–14 January while England will play their opening match against Pakistan in Harare on Friday, 16 January.

England U19 Squad

Thomas Rew (c), Farhan Ahmed, Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Ali Farooq, Alex French, Alex Green, Luke Hands, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Isaac Mohammed, Joe Moores, Sebastian Morgan.

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Pakistan squad for ICC U19 World Cup announced

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Thursday, revealed the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC U19 World Cup 2026, as well as the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe.

Farhan Yousaf will continue to captain the Pakistan U19 team in the upcoming events.

The tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan and hosts Zimbabwe, will be played from 25 December to 6 January.

It will serve as preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, which will take place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.

Both tournaments will be contested in the 50-over format.

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Pakistan U19 are currently competing in the ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai and will face Bangladesh in the semi-final on Friday, 19 December.

The final of the eight-team tournament is scheduled for Sunday, 21 December in Dubai.

The only change to the 15-member squad from the Asia Cup is the inclusion of right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib, who replaces left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for the tri-series and the ICC U19 World Cup.

Pakistan U19 team will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, with the top two teams qualifying for the final on 6 January.

Pakistan U19 squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib

Non-travelling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa

Support staff: Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), Ali Hamza (analyst)

Tri-series fixtures

  • 25 December – Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, Harare Sports Club
  • 27 December – Afghanistan v Pakistan, Harare Sports Club
  • 29 December – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Prince Edward
  • 31 December – Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
  • 2 January – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
  • 4 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Old Hararians Sports Club
  • 6 January – Final, Old Hararians Sports Club

ICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures

  • 16 January – Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 19 January – Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches
  • 3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
  • 6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

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West Indies announce squad for U19 World Cup 2026

Cricket West Indies (CWI) have announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, set to be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Joshua Dorne will captain the side that also includes Jewel Andrew, who has already played three ODIs and five T20Is for the senior West Indies side.

Dorne was picked on the back of an excellent batting display during the Youth ODI series at home against Sri Lanka and England.

West Indies are added in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, and Tanzania.

Following the announcement, CWI’s High Performance Manager Dwain Gill shared his views on the squad and shared key aspects of the players.

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“In assembling this group, we have aligned their development with the style of play we expect at the senior level, ensured exposure to high-quality match opportunities, and placed a strong focus on leadership, tactical awareness and individual support within their territories,” Dwain Gill, CWI’s High Performance Manager, said.

“The result is a balanced and competitive squad, well-positioned to perform at the Under-19 World Cup and contribute meaningfully to the long-term future of West Indies cricket,” he added.

“The result is a balanced and competitive squad, well positioned to perform at the Under-19 World Cup and contribute meaningfully to the long-term future of West Indies cricket.”

For the unversed, the junior-level 16th edition of the event will be held from 15 January to 6 February 2026. The tournament will continue with its familiar format: 16 teams, four groups, 41 matches, and a Super Six stage leading into semi-finals and a final.

The sides will begin arriving on 8 January for warm-ups scheduled from 9–14 January.

West Indies squad for Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026

Joshua Dorne (capt), Jewel Andrew, Shamar Apple, Shaquan Belle, Zachary Carter, Tanez Francis, R’jai Gittens, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Israel Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aiden Racha, Kunal Tilokani, Jonathan Van Lange (vice-capt)

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No India-Pakistan clash as ICC announces U19 World Cup 2026 schedule

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday unveiled the full schedule for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, confirming that arch-rivals Pakistan and India will not meet in the group stage.

The absence of the marquee fixture stands out, especially given how often the two sides are deliberately placed together in ICC youth and senior events to tap into the rivalry’s unmatched global pull.

Set to run from 15 January to 6 February 2026 in Namibia and Zimbabwe, the 16th edition of the U19 World Cup will continue with its familiar format: 16 teams, four groups, 41 matches, and a Super Six stage leading into semi-finals and a final.

The sides will begin arriving on 8 January for warm-ups scheduled from 9–14 January.

The opening day features India vs USA, co-hosts Zimbabwe vs Scotland, and newcomers Tanzania vs West Indies. Tanzania will be making their debut, while Japan return after last featuring in 2020.

Pakistan begin their campaign on 16 January against England in Harare, followed by fixtures against Scotland (19 Jan) and Zimbabwe (22 Jan).

Matches will be split across five venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, Queens Sports Club, Namibia Cricket Ground, and HP Oval.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah hailed the tournament’s legacy of shaping future stars, noting its role in introducing talents ranging from Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill.

“The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons,” said Jay Shah.

“From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.

“As we look ahead to the 2026 edition in Zimbabwe and Namibia, we are excited to provide young cricketers with a world-class platform that mirrors the standards and pressures of senior international cricket.

“This tournament is where dreams are ignited, rivalries are born, and the global cricketing landscape begins to take its next form.

“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams.

“I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise.”

Group A comprises the most successful side in the tournament’s history, India (five titles), the 2020 winners, Bangladesh, the USA, and New Zealand; meanwhile, Group B has co-hosts Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, and Scotland.

Moreover, Group C comprises the defending champions Australia, Ireland, Japan, and Sri Lanka, while Group D has Tanzania, the West Indies, Afghanistan, and South Africa.

ICC U19 World Cup 2026 schedule

  • 15 January, USA v India, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 15 January, Zimbabwe v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 15 January, Tanzania v West Indies, HP Oval, Windhoek
  • 16 January, Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 16 January, Australia v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
  • 16 January, Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
  • 17 January, India v Bangladesh, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 17 January, Japan v Sri Lanka, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
  • 18 January, New Zealand v USA, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 18 January, England v Zimbabwe, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 18 January, West Indies v Afghanistan, HP Oval, Windhoek
  • 19 January, Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 19 January, Sri Lanka v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
  • 19 January, South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
  • 20 January, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 20 January, Australia v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
  • 21 January, England v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 21 January, Afghanistan v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
  • 22 January, Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 22 January, Ireland v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
  • 22 January, West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
  • 23 January, Bangladesh v USA, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
  • 23 January, Sri Lanka v Australia, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
  • 24 January, India v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 24 January, A4 v D4, HP Oval, Windhoek
  • 25 January, Super Six A1 v D3, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
  • 25 January, Super Six D2 v A3, HP Oval, Windhoek
  • 26 January, B4 v C4, Harare Sports Club, Harare
  • 26 January, Super Six C1 v B2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 26 January, Super Six D1 v A2, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
  • 27 January, Super Six C2 v B3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
  • 27 January, Super Six C3 v B1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 28 January, Super Six, A1 v D2, Harare Sports Club, Harare
  • 29 January, Super Six D3 v A2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 30 January, Super Six D1 v A3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
  • 30 January, Super Six B3 v C1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 31 January, Super Six B2 v C3, Harare Sports Club, Harare
  • 01 February, Super Six B1 v C2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 03 February, First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
  • 04 February, Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
  • 06 February, Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

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