Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed as manager and mentor of the national team for the upcoming ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, marking a significant new chapter in his post-playing career. The move signals Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) intent to inject experience and leadership into its youth setup ahead of a busy international calendar.
The U19 Asia Cup will be held in Dubai from December 12 to 21, with Pakistan drawn into Group A alongside India, Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3. Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Qualifier 2. The tournament will serve as a vital tune-up for the ICC U19 World Cup, set to take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
Pakistan’s campaign begins with Qualifier 3 clash
Pakistan will begin their group-stage campaign against Qualifier 3 on December 12 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. They’ll then face arch-rivals India in a marquee clash on December 14 at the ICC Academy Ground, before wrapping up the group stage against Qualifier 1 on December 16 at the same venue.
The top teams will progress to the semi-finals on December 19, scheduled at The Sevens Stadium and ICC Academy Ground, with the final set for December 21.
Sarfaraz brings proven leadership to youth setup
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s appointment comes as part of PCB’s wider strategy to guide the next generation of cricketers under seasoned leadership. A decorated wicketkeeper-batter, Sarfaraz played 54 Tests, scoring 3,031 runs, including four centuries and 21 fifties. In 117 ODIs, he amassed 2,315 runs, while in 61 T20Is, he added 818 runs, notching up three half-centuries.
More notably, his impact as captain stands out. He led Pakistan to one of its greatest modern triumphs — the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, defeating India by 180 runs in the final. His leadership record includes a 70% win rate as ODI captain, a 78.37% win rate in T20Is, and a 62.5% win rate in the 2019 World Cup, where Pakistan won five of their nine matches.
The 38-year-old last represented Pakistan in red-ball cricket during a 2023 Test match against Australia in Perth.
“Mentor” role highlights Sarfaraz’s next chapter
With his dual role as manager and mentor, Sarfaraz will be responsible not just for the administrative aspects but also the psychological and tactical development of the squad — a role many view as a natural extension of his leadership skills.
The support team around him for the U19 Asia Cup includes Shahid Anwar (head coach and batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), and Ali Hamza (analyst).
