Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been given key roles as the manager and mentor of the national team for the upcoming ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, set to run from December 12 to 21.
The announcement came alongside the release of Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the 50-over tournament, with last year’s player Farhan Yousaf named as captain.
Pakistan, who reached the semi-finals in the previous edition before losing to Bangladesh, have been placed in Group A with India, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content daily
Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Qualifier 2, and Sri Lanka.
The tournament will be an important preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup, which Zimbabwe and Namibia will co-host from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
Pakistan will open their campaign on 12 December against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium.
Their second match, a much-anticipated contest against India, will take place on December 14 at the ICC Academy Ground.
READ: Pakistan name squad for ACC U19 Asia Cup starting December 12
The final group fixture is set for 16 December against Qualifier 1 at the same venue.
The semi-finals will be played on 19 December, followed by the title clash on 21 December.
Sarfaraz, a seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, had a distinguished international career.
He scored 3,031 runs in 54 Tests, including four centuries and 21 fifties.
In 117 ODIs, he made 2,315 runs with two centuries and 11 fifties, while in 61 T20Is, he scored 818 runs, including three fifties.
As a captain, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy title, defeating India in the final by 180 runs.
READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed takes charge of Pakistan Shaheens, U19 team: reports
He also guided Pakistan in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, winning five of nine matches and narrowly missing a semi-final spot on net run rate, while achieving a 78.37% win rate in T20Is with 29 wins from 37 matches.
The 38-year-old last played red-ball cricket for Pakistan during a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.
Pakistan support staff for U19 Asia Cup 2025:
Sarfaraz Ahmed – Manager/Mentor
Shahid Anwar – Head Coach/Batting Coach
Rao Iftikhar – Bowling Coach
Mansoor Amjad – Fielding Coach
Abrar Ahmed – Trainer
Ubaidullah – Physiotherapist
Ali Hamza – Analyst
