Pakistan squad have arrived in South Africa for the 2024 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, starting from January 19.
Saad Baig-led side is placed in Group D with Afghanistan, New Zealand and Nepal. Pakistan have previously won the competition twice in 2004 and 2006.
Saad talked to media before leaving for South Africa where he affirmed the team’s commitment not to underestimate any opponent and to approach each match with a strategic plan.
“Our goal is to win the World Cup, and all teams are strong. We will not take any team lightly, and we will enter the field with a well-thought-out plan,” Saad said.
Saad emphasised the unity of the team and the players’ collective approach to the game. He expressed optimism about the team’s performance and the players’ commitment to learning from mistakes.
“As the captain of the U19 team, it’s an honour for me. We will enter the field as a united team, and we expect the best from all players. Learning from our mistakes is a priority,” Saad stated.
The 15-player squad include Ali Asfand and Mohammad Zeeshan, both of whom had represented Pakistan in the previous edition of the U19 World Cup held in West Indies in January-February 2022.
Pakistan schedule
Pakistan v Afghanistan, January 20, East London
Pakistan v Nepal, January 24, East London
Pakistan v New Zealand, January 27, East London
Pakistan U19 squad
Saad Baig (captain and wicketkeeper), Ali Asfand (vice-captain), Ali Raza, Ahmad Hassan, Amir Hassan, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Haroon Arshad, Khubaib Khalil, Mohammad Zeeshan, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Muhammad Riazullah and Ubaid Shah.
Support staff – Shoaib Mohammad (Team Manager), Mohammad Yousaf (Head Coach), Rehan Riaz (Bowling Coach), Mansoor Amjad (Fielding Coach), Muhammad Masroor (Assistant Batting Coach), Umer Rashid Dar (Assistant Coach), Hafiz Naeem Ul Rasul (Team Physio), Usman Hashmi (Team Analyst) and Imran Ullah (Strength & Conditioning Coach).