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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Afghanistan confirm 15-man squad plus three reserves
- 2🏆 Mahboob Khan to lead at 2026 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup
- 3💡 Squad mirrors senior team’s fearless, spin-heavy style
- 4🔮 Afghanistan tipped as dark horses in 2026 U19 event
"Making their third appearance at the tournament, the Afghans have included a host of exciting names in their mix. "
A quietly confident Afghanistan have locked in a strong 15 for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, signalling they’re not travelling just to make up the numbers this time.
Mahboob Khan leads a fearless U19 core
Skipper Mahboob Khan headlines a squad stacked with aggressive batting and skiddy pace options that mirror the senior Afghan template. Names like Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat and Faisal Khan give them depth at the top, while Uzairullah Niazai and Aziz Mia Khil add all-round balance that’s gold-dust in youth tournaments.
In the middle order, stroke-makers such as Nazif Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai and Nooristani bring that familiar Afghan flair – unafraid to take the aerial route and attack spin from ball one. The presence of Abdul Aziz, Salam Khan, Wahid Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab and Hafieez Zadran rounds out a group that looks built for subcontinental conditions: plenty of spin options, boundary-hitters, and energetic fielders.
Reserves Aqil Khan, Fahim Qasemi and Izat Noor offer solid cover and underline how healthy the talent pipeline is. For Indian fans who’ve watched Afghanistan trouble the Men in Blue in ICC events, this U19 squad feels like the next wave being readied.
If they ride their usual fearlessness and sharpen the game awareness, Afghanistan’s third appearance at this level could easily become their most memorable yet.
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