The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially unveiled the 15-member squad for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, set to take place from January 15 to February 6 in a co-hosting arrangement between Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Kabul 24: This prestigious 50-over tournament, the 16th edition, features 16 top youth teams vying for glory, with Afghanistan aiming to build on their strong recent performances in regional qualifiers and Asia Cups.The team will be captained by Mahboob Khan, a 19-year-old leader with proven experience guiding Afghanistan’s U19 side through the 2024 and 2025 U19 Asia Cups. Known for Afghanistan’s signature spin dominance, the squad emphasizes a potent spin attack, including leg-spinners and left-arm options, to exploit conditions in southern Africa.Main Squad (15 players):Mahboob Khan (Captain)
Khalid Ahmadzai
Osman Sadat
Faisal Khan
Uzairullah Niazai (notable for his vital 61 in the recent U19 Asia Cup against Nepal)
Aziz Mia Khil
Nazif Amiri
Khatir Stanikzai
Nooristani (or Nasrat Nooristani in some reports)
Abdul Aziz
Salam Khan
Wahid Zadran (or Wahidullah Zadran)
Zaitullah Shaheen
Rohullah Arab
Hafieez Zadran (or Hafeez Zadran, a key leg-spinner)
Reserves:Aqil Khan (or Aqeel Khan)
Fahim Qasemi (or Faheem)
Izat Noor (or Ezzat Noor / Izzat Noor)
The squad was selected following domestic age-group competitions, training camps, and standout performances in qualifiers, where Afghanistan secured their spot unbeaten.As previously announced by the ACB, the players arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (17 Jadi), to kick off final preparations, including warm-up matches starting January 9.
Afghanistan has been drawn in Group D alongside powerhouses South Africa, West Indies, and debutants Tanzania.
All Group D fixtures will be played in Windhoek, giving the team familiarity with the venues (primarily the High Performance Oval and Namibia Cricket Ground).
The campaign opens on January 16 (26 Jadi) against South Africa U19 at the HP Oval in Windhoek—a tough but exciting start against one of the favorites.
Subsequent group matches include clashes with West Indies and Tanzania.Afghanistan qualified impressively through the Asia Qualifier and has shown consistent growth in youth cricket over the past decade, with many alumni transitioning successfully to the senior team.
With a balanced mix of emerging batsmen (like Khalid Ahmadzai, who has first-class experience) and spin wizards, the side is poised for a strong showing and potential advancement to the Super Six stage and beyond.
This tournament serves as a vital platform for Afghanistan’s young talents to shine on the global stage and inspire the next generation amid the nation’s passion for cricket.
Fans worldwide will be watching closely as the action unfolds!
