### Pakistan U19 Cricket Team Set for ICC World Cup 2026 with Farhan Yousaf as Captain The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the 15-member squad for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, confirming that 19-year-old Farhan Yousaf will continue to lead the team. This announcement comes ahead of the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe, where the team will prepare for the global event scheduled to take place from January 15 to February 6, 2026, across Zimbabwe and Namibia. The PCB's decision reflects confidence in Yousaf's leadership and the team's potential as they aim for success on the international stage [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/pakistan_name_farhan_yousaf_led_squad_for_u19_world_cup/s1_17725_43220209][https://www.geo.tv/latest/640052-farhan-yousaf-to-lead-pakistan-at-u19-world-cup-2026-zimbabwe-tri-series]. ### Structure of the Announcement and Key Details 1. **Captaincy and Leadership**: Farhan Yousaf has been retained as captain, indicating the PCB's trust in his abilities to lead the young squad. 2. **Squad Composition**: The squad consists of 15 players, with notable changes including Umar Zaib replacing Mohammad Huzaifa. 3. **Upcoming Events**: The team will participate in a tri-series in Zimbabwe as a precursor to the World Cup, which is a critical opportunity for preparation. 4. **Tournament Schedule**: The ICC U19 World Cup will be held from January 15 to February 6, 2026, in Zimbabwe and Namibia, marking a significant event in the cricket calendar. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Captain**: Farhan Yousaf, a middle-order batter, has been confirmed as captain for the U19 team [https://pakobserver.net/pakistan-squad-for-u19-tri-series-icc-world-cup-announced]. - **Squad Changes**: Umar Zaib's inclusion in place of Mohammad Huzaifa highlights strategic adjustments made by the PCB [https://english.aaj.tv/news/330449626/pakistan-squad-for-u19-tri-series-and-icc-u19-world-cup-announced]. - **Tournament Dates**: The ICC U19 World Cup is set to take place from January 15 to February 6, 2026, across Zimbabwe and Namibia [https://thenewsmill.com/2025/12/pakistan-announce-15-member-squad-for-icc-u19-mens-world-cup-2026]. ### Conclusion and Implications In summary, the PCB's announcement of the U19 squad under Farhan Yousaf's captaincy is a strategic move aimed at fostering a competitive team for the upcoming ICC U19 World Cup. The decision to retain Yousaf as captain, alongside the adjustments in the squad, reflects a commitment to building a strong foundation for future cricketing success. 1. **Leadership Stability**: Retaining Yousaf as captain is crucial for team cohesion. 2. **Strategic Adjustments**: The inclusion of new players like Umar Zaib indicates a focus on enhancing team performance. 3. **Preparation for Success**: The tri-series in Zimbabwe will serve as an essential preparation phase leading into the World Cup. The PCB's proactive approach in assembling a capable squad aims to position Pakistan as a formidable contender in the upcoming U19 World Cup [https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/u19-cricket-worldcup-2026/news/pakistan-unveil-squad-for-u19-world-cup-2026][https://thefreedompress.in/index.php/2025/12/18/pakistan-name-farhan-yousaf-led-squad-for-u19-world-cup].