Pakistan Reveals U19 World Cup Squad; India's U19 Set for Tri-Series with South Africa, Afghanistan

In the cricketing world, Pakistan's U19 team for the 2024 World Cup has been announced by the PCB. Saad Baig, a young talent, will lead the squad. Meanwhile, India's U19 team is set to participate in a tri-series against South Africa and Afghanistan as part of their preparation for the tournament. Uday Saharan will captain the Indian side.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) disclosed the final squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2024. Saad Baig, a 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, assumes the captaincy role for the young Pakistani team. This team will compete in the 15th edition of the 50-over World Cup in South Africa, commencing on January 19, 2024.

Ali Asfand and Mohammad Zeeshan, having prior experience from the last World Cup edition in the West Indies, secure their spots in the team. Notably, Saad Baig captained the squad during the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2023 in the UAE. However, Pakistan faced an unexpected defeat against the hosts in the semifinals.

Chairman of the Junior Selection Committee, Sohail Tanvir, expressed confidence in the selected 15 players, affirming their capabilities to excel in the forthcoming World Cup. He highlighted the squad's balance and adaptability to the pace-friendly pitches in South Africa.

The Pakistan U19 squad comprises Saad Baig as captain and wicketkeeper, with Ali Asfand as vice-captain. Players like Ali Raza, Ahmad Hassan, Amir Hassan, Arfat Minhas, Azan Awais, Haroon Arshad, Khubaib Khalil, Mohammad Zeeshan, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Muhammad Riazullah, and Ubaid Shah complete the roster.

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Simultaneously, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's U19 team's participation in a tri-series against South Africa and Afghanistan. This series, set to commence on December 19 at the Old Edwardians Cricket Club in Johannesburg, aims to prepare the team for the upcoming World Cup challenge.

In the U19 Asia Cup 2023, India faced an unexpected loss against Bangladesh in the semifinals, with Bangladesh eventually clinching the tournament. Uday Saharan, a top-order batter from Rajasthan, is set to lead the Indian side in the World Cup, fostering hopes of defending their title in South Africa.