Cricket

Under-19 World Cup 2026: Complete Squad Breakdown as Cricket’s Future Stars Assemble

The ICC Under-19 Men's ODI World Cup 2026 begins January 15 across Zimbabwe and Namibia, featuring 16 nations. Several teams have unveiled squads while defending champions India keep fans waiting.…

December 18, 2025
5 min read

The ICC Under-19 Men’s ODI World Cup 2026 begins January 15 across Zimbabwe and Namibia, featuring 16 nations. Several teams have unveiled squads while defending champions India keep fans waiting. This guide breaks down every confirmed lineup and key players for cricket’s premier youth tournament.

Under-19 Tournament Overview: What’s at Stake?

Tournament DetailsInformation
Start DateJanuary 15, 2026
End DateFebruary 6, 2026
Host NationsZimbabwe & Namibia
Total Teams16 (4 groups)
Defending ChampionsIndia (2024)
Most TitlesIndia (5 titles)

The Under-19 World Cup launched careers of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan. For 2026, this tournament represents players’ moment to announce themselves globally.

Complete Squad Lists: Group-by-Group Breakdown

GROUP A: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka

Australia Squad Captain: Oliver Peake

Full 15-Member Squad:

Cricket
  1. Oliver Peake (c)
  2. Kasey Barton
  3. Naden Cooray
  4. Jayden Draper
  5. Ben Gordon
  6. Steven Hogan
  7. Thomas Hogan
  8. John James
  9. Charles Lachmund
  10. Will Malajczuk
  11. Nitesh Samuel
  12. Hayden Schiller
  13. Aryan Sharma
  14. William Taylor
  15. Alex Lee Young

Squad Analysis: Australia brings balance with the Hogan twins (Steven and Thomas) adding sibling synergy. Jayden Draper and Aryan Sharma are promising batting prospects. Australia’s youth cricket pedigree makes them early favorites.

Ireland Squad Captain: Olly Riley

Full 15-Member Squad:

  1. Olly Riley (c)
  2. Reuben Wilson
  3. Alex Armstrong
  4. Callum Armstrong
  5. Marko Bates
  6. Sebastian Dijkstra
  7. Thomas Ford
  8. Samuel Haslett
  9. Adam Leckey
  10. Febin Manoj
  11. Luke Murray
  12. Robert O’Brien
  13. Freddie Ogilby
  14. James West
  15. Bruce Whaley

Non-Travelling Reserves: Peter le Roux, William Shields

Squad Analysis: Ireland’s squad showcases growing cricket infrastructure. The Armstrong brothers (Alex and Callum) provide family chemistry. Ireland’s youth program continues building momentum.

Japan Squad Captain: Kazuma Kato-Stafford

Full 15-Member Squad:

  1. Kazuma Kato-Stafford (c)
  2. Charles Hara-Hinze
  3. Gabriel Hara-Hinze
  4. Montgomery Hara-Hinze
  5. Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett
  6. Timothy Moore
  7. Skyler Nakayama-Cook
  8. Ryuki Ozeki
  9. Nihar Parmar
  10. Nikhil Pol
  11. Chihaya Sekine
  12. Hugo Tani-Kelly
  13. Sandev Aaryan Waduge
  14. Kai Wall
  15. Taylor Waugh

Squad Analysis: Japan’s multicultural squad reflects cricket’s global appeal. The Hara-Hinze triplets (Charles, Gabriel, Montgomery) represent an extraordinary family story. Japan’s participation expands cricket’s Asian footprint.

Sri Lanka Squad: Yet to be announced

GROUP B: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, USA

All four squads yet to be announced

India – The Defending Champions’ Dilemma:

India’s BCCI remains tight-lipped about squad selection. As defending champions with five U19 World Cup titles (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2024), expectations are massive.

Current U19 Asia Cup form provides glimpses. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest IPL player at 13 (Rajasthan Royals, ₹1.10 crore), recently smashed 171 off 95 balls against UAE. Domestic tournaments like Cooch Behar Trophy have produced standout performers. The pace department looks strong, while spin remains India’s traditional strength.

India’s announcement is significant for the BCCI’s youth development philosophy. Will they choose experienced campaigners or gamble on explosive talents? Whoever gets selected carries the legacy of Kohli, Yuvraj, and Rohit.

GROUP C: England, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe

Pakistan Squad Captain: Farhan Yousaf | Vice-Captain: Usman Khan

Full 15-Member Squad:

  1. Farhan Yousaf (c)
  2. Usman Khan (vc)
  3. Abdul Subhan
  4. Ahmed Hussain
  5. Ali Hasan Baloch
  6. Ali Raza
  7. Daniyal Ali Khan
  8. Hamza Zahoor (wk)
  9. Huzaifa Ahsan
  10. Momin Qamar
  11. Mohammad Sayyam
  12. Mohammad Shayan (wk)
  13. Niqab Shafiq
  14. Sameer Minhas
  15. Umar Zaib

Non-Travelling Reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Mohammad Huzaifa

Squad Analysis: Pakistan’s fast bowling tradition continues with promising names. Dual wicketkeepers (Hamza Zahoor and Mohammad Shayan) provide flexibility. Captain Farhan Yousaf brings leadership, while Momin Qamar is an all-round prospect to watch.

Scotland Squad Captain: Thomas Knight

Full 15-Member Squad:

  1. Thomas Knight (c)
  2. Finlay Carter
  3. Max Chaplin
  4. George Cutler
  5. Rory Grant
  6. Finlay Jones
  7. Ollie Jones
  8. Ali Khan
  9. Olly Pillinger
  10. Ethan Ramsay
  11. Theo Robinson
  12. Manu Saraswat
  13. Shreyas Tekale
  14. Shlok Thaker
  15. Jake Woodhouse

Squad Analysis: Scotland’s multicultural squad includes South Asian diaspora players like Shreyas Tekale and Shlok Thaker, demonstrating cricket’s growth in associate nations.

Zimbabwe Squad Captain: Simbarashe Mudzengerere

Full 15-Member Squad:

  1. Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c)
  2. Kian Blignaut
  3. Michael Blignaut
  4. Leeroy Chiwaula
  5. Tatenda Chimugoro
  6. Brendon Senzere
  7. Nathaniel Hlabangana
  8. Takudzwa Makoni
  9. Panashe Mazai
  10. Webster Madhidhi
  11. Shelton Mazvitorera
  12. Kupakwashe Muradzi
  13. Brandon Ndiweni
  14. Dhruv Patel
  15. Benny Zuze

Squad Analysis: As co-hosts, Zimbabwe carries home advantage. The Blignaut brothers provide family chemistry, while wicketkeeper Nathaniel Hlabangana anchors the middle order.

England Squad: Yet to be announced

GROUP D: Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania, West Indies

South Africa Squad Captain: Muhammad Bulbulia

Full 15-Member Squad:

  1. Muhammad Bulbulia (c)
  2. JJ Basson
  3. Daniel Bosman
  4. Corne Botha
  5. Paul James
  6. Enathi Khitshini Tembalethu
  7. Michael Kruiskamp
  8. Adnaan Lagadien
  9. Bayanda Majola
  10. Armaan Manack
  11. Bandile Mbatha
  12. Lethabo Phahlamohlaka
  13. Jason Rowles
  14. Ntandoyenkosi Soni
  15. Jorich van Schalkwyk

Squad Analysis: South Africa blends pace, spin, and batting depth. Armaan Manack and Bayanda Majola are names to remember from domestic age-group cricket.

Afghanistan, Tanzania, West Indies Squads: Yet to be announced

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where is the Under-19 World Cup 2026 being held?

The tournament runs January 15 to February 6, 2026, jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia—the first time these nations co-host a major ICC youth event.

Q: Which teams have announced their squads?


Six teams have announced: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Nine teams await announcement including India (defending champions), England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, USA, Afghanistan, Tanzania, West Indies, and Sri Lanka.


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