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Mahboob Taskin to lead as Afghanistan pick experienced line-up for U19 Asia Cup 2025

Akshita Patel

Afghanistan unveil squad for U19 Asia Cup 2025 [Source: @acb_190/X.com]Afghanistan unveil squad for U19 Asia Cup 2025 [Source: @acb_190/X.com]

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has officially announced the squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025. The tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates from December 12 to 21, with matches scheduled across two venues. 

This year’s squad features a strong mix of experience and new talent. Ten players who represented Afghanistan in the previous U19 Asia Cup have been retained.

Afghanistan retain core for upcoming U19 Asia Cup

ACB released Afghanistan's squad for the upcoming U19 Asia Cup on November 29 in Kabul. Mahboob Taskin has been appointed as captain.

Around 10 players from the previous tournament will continue to play this year as well. The squad includes promising players like Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Uzair Khan Niazi, and Azizullah Miakhil. 

Four players, such as Aqil Khan, Fahim Qasemi, Sohail Khan, and Izat Noor Shirzad, have been named as reserves.

The selection was made after months of preparation. The young players trained in long camps held in Khost and Nangarhar provinces. These camps focused on skill development, fitness, and match awareness. 

The team also gained valuable experience through international tours. They recently travelled to Bangladesh, where they tied a five-match Youth ODI series 2-2. 

Afghanistan also toured India, playing in a Youth Tri-Series involving India A U19 and India B U19. They finished at the top of the table and qualified for the final of the series. 

The Afghanistan squad is currently in Bengaluru, preparing for their final Youth Tri-Series match against India A U19 on November 30. 

After the match, they will depart for the UAE to begin their Asia Cup journey.

Afghanistan squad for U19 Asia Cup 2025 

Mehboob Taskin (Captain & Wicket-Keeper), Khalid Ahmadzai (WK), Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Uzair Khan Niazi, Azizullah Miakhil, Nazeefullah Amiri, Khatir Khan Stanikzai, Nasratullah Nooristani, Abdul Aziz Khan, Salam Khan Ahmadzai, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab and Hafeezullah Zadran.

Afghanistan to compete in Group B

That being said, Afghanistan are placed in Group B, along with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the second qualifier team from the ACC U19 Premier Cup. 

Their first match will be against Bangladesh U19 on December 13 at the ICC Academy Oval 1 in Dubai. The team will then face Sri Lanka on December 15 and the qualifier team on December 17.