🏏 PCB Announces Pakistan Squad for ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 Full Squad, Deep Analysis, Strengths, Weaknesses & Cricketory Insights
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially revealed the 15-member squad for the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, a crucial ODI-format youth tournament scheduled in Dubai from December 12 to 21. With the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 just a few months away, this Asia Cup holds massive importance in Pakistan’s developmental roadmap.
But beyond the squad list, this moment represents something bigger — a look into Pakistan’s next generation, their bench strength, tactical mindset, and long-term planning.
In this comprehensive Cricketory breakdown, we explore:
- ✅ Full squad details
- ✅ Player-by-player analysis
- ✅ Strengths & weaknesses
- ✅ Why this squad matters for U19 World Cup preparation
- ✅ Complete match schedule
- ✅ Strategy predictions
- ✅ Cricketory Insights & Analytical Report
- ✅ FAQs
Let’s dive in! 🔥
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s U19 Squad for Asia Cup 2025 – Complete Breakdown 🚀
Pakistan has chosen a squad that blends proven domestic performers, consistent age-level stars, and young talents emerging from U19 regional circuits.
⭐ 15-Member Squad
- Farhan Yousaf (c)
- Usman Khan (vc)
- Abdul Subhan
- Ahmed Hussain
- Ali Hassan Baloch
- Ali Raza
- Daniyal Ali Khan
- Hamza Zahoor (wk)
- Huzaifa Ahsan
- Momin Qamar
- Mohammad Huzaifa
- Mohammad Sayyam
- Mohammad Shayan (wk)
- Niqab Shafiq
- Sameer Minhas
🧩 Non-travelling reserves
(Backup pool in case of injury)
Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Umar Zaib
🏆 Why This Asia Cup Matters More Than Ever 🌍
- The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 is only weeks after the Asia Cup.
- Pakistan wants momentum, combinations, and confidence before the global event.
- The PCB has adopted a performance-based selection model this year.
- Dubai pitches provide perfect preparation for Zimbabwe–Namibia conditions (dry, abrasive, turning tracks).
👑 Leadership: Farhan Yousaf – Pakistan’s New U19 Commander
🔥 Who is Farhan Yousaf?
- Age: 18
- Current form: 369 runs in 7 matches
- Credentials: 1 century, 2 fifties
- Leadership style: Calm, technically strong, and analytical
He recently led the Lahore Region Whites with maturity beyond his age. Farhan is a classical top-order batter, capable of anchoring innings and stabilizing under pressure.
🎯 Why PCB chose him as captain
- Consistency across formats
- Skilled in adapting to pressure situations
- Naturally respected by teammates
- Excellent record against spin-heavy teams — useful in UAE conditions
🦅 Usman Khan – Vice Captain & Middle-Order Backbone
Usman Khan is the heartbeat of Pakistan’s middle order at this level. He scored 429 runs last domestic season, including two centuries.
💥 Strengths:
- Takes responsibility in chases
- Clean striker of the ball
- Great maturity and match awareness
- Excellent player of pace & spin
His experience in the previous edition of the Asia Cup gives Pakistan a major advantage.
⚡ Player-by-Player Analysis – Cricketory’s In-Depth Breakdown
Below is a performance-style scouting report for every player — fully original analysis based on cricketing logic, not any outside sources.
🏏 1. Farhan Yousaf (Captain)
Role: Top-order batter
Farhan combines timing, temperament, and technique. Plays the ball late, excels at finding gaps, and builds innings like a senior pro.
Cricketory Verdict:
Pakistan’s most stable U19 batter. Big tournament temperament.
🏏 2. Usman Khan (Vice-Captain)
Fearless player who thrives under pressure. Has the ability to counter-attack and shift momentum within overs.
Cricketory Verdict:
Clutch performer. Pakistan’s best bet in tight run chases.
🏏 3. Abdul Subhan
Explosive with a natural attacking mindset. Ideal for powerplay aggression.
Cricketory Verdict:
Pakistan’s X-factor opening option.
🏏 4. Ahmed Hussain
Compact technique, excellent against spin. Could be crucial in UAE conditions.
Cricketory Verdict:
Reliable middle-order accumulator.
🏏 5. Ali Hassan Baloch
Athletic, good fielder, and powerful lower-order hitter.
Cricketory Verdict:
Finisher potential in the making.
🏏 6. Ali Raza
One of Pakistan’s most promising medium-pacers. Swings the new ball both ways.
Cricketory Verdict:
Key powerplay bowler.
🏏 7. Daniyal Ali Khan
A utility all-rounder — Pakistan always loves these.
Cricketory Verdict:
Adds balance; can rescue innings or deliver tight overs.
🏏 8. Hamza Zahoor (Wicketkeeper)
Fast hands, reliable glovework, and can play as a floater in batting order.
Cricketory Verdict:
Vital for controlling spinners from behind the stumps.
🏏 9. Huzaifa Ahsan
Aggressive pacer with natural bounce.
Cricketory Verdict:
Strike-bowler in the making.
🏏 10. Momin Qamar
Underrated left-hander with great temperament.
Cricketory Verdict:
Pakistan’s stability anchor in unpredictable situations.
🏏 11. Mohammad Huzaifa
Strong wrists, great sweeps, ideal for slow UAE pitches.
Cricketory Verdict:
Match-winner against spin-heavy sides like SL & Afghanistan.
🏏 12. Mohammad Sayyam
Consistent pacer with tight lines & death-overs skill.
Cricketory Verdict:
Go-to bowler in death overs.
🏏 13. Mohammad Shayan (wk)
Backup keeper with a solid back-foot game.
Cricketory Verdict:
Reliable reserve option.
🏏 14. Niqab Shafiq
Underrated leg-spinner with stump-to-stump accuracy.
Cricketory Verdict:
Could dominate on UAE dry tracks.
🏏 15. Sameer Minhas
Tall bowler, good for middle-over control.
Cricketory Verdict:
Boundary saver — economical & dependable.
📅 Pakistan’s ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 Fixtures
📍 All matches in Dubai
🟢 December 12 – vs Qualifier 3
Venue: The Sevens Stadium
🇵🇰 vs 🇮🇳 December 14 – Big Clash vs India
Venue: ICC Academy Ground
The most anticipated match of the group stage.
🟢 December 16 – vs Qualifier 1
Venue: ICC Academy Ground
🏆 Semi-finals – December 19
🏆 Final – December 21
🔍 Pakistan’s Strengths Going Into the Tournament
💚 1. Strong, stable batting core
Farhan + Usman + Momin = experience + class + consistency.
🔥 2. Variety in bowling attack
Pakistan has:
- Swing bowlers
- Hit-the-deck pacers
- Smart spinners
- A leggie (Niqab)
- Left-arm options
Perfect balance.
💪 3. Leadership stability
Farhan and Usman complement each other:
one anchors batting, the other accelerates.
🌍 4. UAE familiarity
Most U19 players have played in UAE before — advantage Pakistan.
⚠️ Weaknesses Pakistan Must Address
❗ 1. Finishing under pressure
Lower order has talent but lacks big-match experience.
❗ 2. Middle-overs bowling
If spinners fail to control runs, Pakistan could lose momentum.
❗ 3. Fielding inconsistencies
Dropped catches have cost Pakistan key matches historically.
🧠 Cricketory Tactical Predictions for Asia Cup 2025
⭐ Ideal Opening Pair:
Saim-style aggressors in the U19 setup — likely Abdul Subhan + Farhan or Momin.
⭐ Player Likely to Shine:
Usman Khan — form, experience, and adaptability.
⭐ Top Wicket-Taker Prediction:
Ali Raza or Niqab Shafiq depending on pitch.
⭐ Match to Watch:
🇵🇰 Pakistan vs India 🇮🇳
This match will likely decide group standings.
🧩 How This Squad Shapes Pakistan’s U19 World Cup Plans
Pakistan aims to build:
- A balanced XI
- A core leadership trio
- A stable bowling lineup
- Reliable middle order
Asia Cup will reveal:
- ✔ who handles pressure
- ✔ who finishes games
- ✔ who deserves a World Cup spot
- ✔ who needs refinement
This is Pakistan’s dress rehearsal before the World Cup.
📝 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
Cricketory analysts believe the 2025 U19 batch is technically better than the 2022–23 generation.
Key Observations:
- Batters are more methodical
- Bowlers understand matchups better
- Leadership seems clear
- Selection is merit-based, not reputation-based
Our Overall Rating:
8.8/10 — Strong squad with high tournament-winning potential.
❓ FAQs – Pakistan U19 Asia Cup 2025
Q1. Who is Pakistan’s U19 captain for Asia Cup 2025?
A: Farhan Yousaf has been named captain.
Q2. When does Pakistan play against India?
A: On December 14 at ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.
Q3. How many teams are participating?
A: Eight teams divided into two groups.
Q4. Why is the Asia Cup important?
A: It serves as preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.
Q5. Who is Pakistan’s vice-captain?
A: Usman Khan.