Mahboob Khan to lead Afghanistan at Under-19 World Cup

Mahboob Khan will captain Afghanistan at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, starting January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia, just weeks after turning 19 on New Year’s Day.

Despite his young age, he is no stranger to responsibility, having previously led Afghanistan at the youth ODI level, steering the side through the 2024 and 2025 Asia Cup tournaments. He will now step into the World Cup spotlight, tasked with guiding a squad as the team eyes a strong run on the global stage.

Wahidullah Zadran stands out as the headline act in tje bowling unit. The 18-year-old off-spinner has shown he belongs, having featured in last year’s ILT20 for the Gulf Giants. His rapid rise was further underlined when he entered the IPL auction in December, making him one of the youngest players in the pool, although he was not picked.

Wahidullah will spearhead a spin-heavy attack and is set to be complemented by the left-arm orthodox spin of Zaitullah Shaheen and the wrist-spin of Hafeez Zadran, giving Afghanistan a varied and tactically flexible spin arsenal.

Khalid Ahmadzai, already a first-class centurion, and Uzairullah Niazai headline the team’s most promising batting talents, while pace bowler Nooristani Omarzai adds an exciting fast-bowling dimension to the squad.

Afghanistan booked their place at the Under-19 World Cup by storming through last year’ Asia Qualifier without suffering a single loss. At the global event, they have been drawn into group D, where they will face South Africa, Tanzania, and the West Indies.

Afghanistan squad

Mahboob Khan (c), Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Aziz Mia Khil, Nazif Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Salam Khan, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab, Hafeez Zadran

Reserves: Aqil Khan, Fahim Qasemi, Izat Noor