The U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 isn’t just a tournament -- it’s a launchpad for the next generation of cricketing stars. Legends once began their journeys here; now a new class steps forward, ready to leave their mark on the international stage.
Among them, Bangladesh arrive with quiet determination and thorough preparation. They haven’t just trained; they have lived cricket these past months -- touring England and Zimbabwe, testing themselves against Afghanistan and sharpening every department.
Their hopes rest strongly on fast bowler Iqbal Hossain Emon, a returning spearhead whose senior domestic experience has added maturity to his pace and precision. Alongside him, Al Fahad stands as a reliable partner, ensuring Bangladesh always carry threat with the new ball.
With the bat, consistency will define their campaign. Zawad Abrar has already shown resilience with important runs in pressure situations, while Azizul Hakim looks comfortable adapting to conditions away from home.
Lower down the order, Rizan Hossan offers valuable depth and the ability to change tight matches. The exciting young talents Kalam Siddiki, Rifat Beg, and Shahriar Ahmed could also play crucial roles as Bangladesh push not just to compete--but to truly contend and challenge for something special.
Around them, the tournament buzzes with anticipation.
Afghanistan arrive battle-hardened after qualifying heroics, led by prolific batter Khalid Ahmadzai, quick Nooristani Ormazi, and spinners Ziatullah Shaheen and Hafieezullah Zadran.
Australia return with leadership from Oliver Peake, supported by quick Charles Lachmund, stroke-maker Jayden Draper, and run-machine Nitesh Samuel.
England blend promise and pedigree through Thomas Rew, spinner Farhan Ahmed, and dependable Ben Dawkins.
India carry massive expectations once again, built around prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, captain Ayush Mhatre, prolific batter Vedant Trivedi, double-centurion Abhigyan Kundu, and consistent seamer Deepesh Devendran.
Ireland believe this may be their strongest ever group, featuring Sebastian Dijkstra, Adam Leckey, and experienced campaigner Reuben Wilson.
Japan arrive fearless with Charlie Hara-Hinze, Nihar Parmar, and captain Kazuma Kato-Stafford.
Pakistan carry momentum thanks to Farhan Yousaf, incredible run-getter Sameer Minhas, seamer Abdul Subhan, and all-rounder Huzaifa Ahsan.
New Zealand rely on Tom Jones and Mason Clarke, while Scotland look to Manu Saraswat and Finlay Jones.
Sri Lanka boast bowling threats Sethmika Seneviratne and Vigneshwaran Akash, and South Africa are highlighted by Jorich Van Schalkwyk, Muhammad Bulbulia, and Bayanda Majola.
Associate challengers like Tanzania’s Laksh Bakrania and USA’s Amrinder Singh Gill are also eager to upset bigger names.
Hosts Zimbabwe proudly back Kian and Michael Blignaut, Simbarashe Mudzengerere, and Shelton Mazvitorera.
Every squad has a player people are already talking about. Every team has someone dreaming of becoming the name the world remembers.
HIGHLIGHTS
**The 16th ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup will be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, with India facing the USA in the opening match in Bulawayo.
**Australia enter as defending champions with four titles, just behind record holders India with five, while Pakistan have two, and West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh, and England have one each.
**Bangladesh, the 2020 champions, begin their campaign against India on January 17.
**Sixteen teams are split into four groups, with the top three from each advancing to the Super Six, then the best two progressing to the semifinals on February 3 and 4 at Queens Sports Club and Harare Sports Club. The final will be played on February 6 in Harare.
Groups:
A: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka
B: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, USA
C: England, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
D: Afghanistan, South Africa, Tanzania West Indies
