Karachi: Pakistan have announced their 15-member squad for the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, with two of Karachi’s brightest emerging talents — Naqib Shafiq and Huzaifa Ahsan — earning well-deserved selection after standout performances in the recently concluded National U19 One-Day Cup.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, another proud Karachi product, has been appointed team manager and mentor, adding further Karachi flavour to Pakistan’s youth setup.

Left-arm spinner Naqib Shafiq has been one of Karachi’s biggest U19 revelations this season.

Matches: 8 | Wickets: 21 | Best: 6/15 | Economy: 2.80

His accuracy, control and wicket-taking ability made him one of the most effective bowlers in the tournament, and he will enter the Asia Cup as a key middle-overs option.

All-rounder Huzaifa Ahsan has been equally impressive.

Batting: 415 runs @ 59.29, HS 108

Bowling: 10 wickets, Econ 4.51

His ability to contribute in both departments gives Pakistan rare balance, and his temperament stood out during pressure chases for Karachi.

Farhan Yousaf, 18, fresh off leading Lahore Region Whites and scoring 369 runs with a century and two fifties, will captain the side.

FATA’s Usman Khan — 429 runs including two hundreds — has been named vice-captain.

Pakistan are placed in Group A with India, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3.

They begin their campaign on 12 December at The Sevens Stadium, followed by the marquee clash against India on 14 December at ICC Academy.

The event, running from 12 to 21 December, serves as Pakistan’s final preparation ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026.

With Karachi’s emerging talents stepping into the continental spotlight — and one of its most iconic captains guiding the next generation — Pakistan enter the U19 Asia Cup with renewed confidence and strong representation from the country’s biggest cricketing hub.