Oman rolls out stage for U19 Asia Cup cricket

MUSCAT: From Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma to Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis, the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup has helped launch the careers of some of Asia's biggest cricketing stars.
Oman will now provide the stage for the next generation of talent as it hosts the 2026 edition from November 5-14, with an eagerly anticipated India-Pakistan showdown scheduled for November 8.
The DP World ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026 will bring together eight teams at the Oman Cricket Academy grounds in Al Amerat. Organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and hosted by Oman Cricket, the tournament features India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.
The teams have been divided into two groups, with India, Pakistan, Nepal and UAE in Group A, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia form Group B.
The 50-over competition will see the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals on November 12, with the final scheduled for November 14.
The India-Pakistan encounter will be among the tournament's biggest attractions. Defending champions Pakistan, led by Farhan Yousuf, begin their title defence against UAE on November 6 before taking on traditional rivals two days later.

India's squad features an interesting family connection, with Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, sons of former batting greats Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid respectively, earning places in the team. Both youngsters will be keen to establish their own identities, with India led by Lakshya Raichandani.
Although Oman will not compete for the continental title, hosting the championship offers an important opportunity to showcase its cricketing infrastructure and organisational capabilities while welcoming some of Asia's brightest young prospects.
In a major boost for cricket fans, Oman Cricket has announced free entry to all matches, encouraging families, aspiring cricketers and the wider community to attend.
PRESTIGIOUS TOURNEY
Oman Cricket Chairman Pankaj Khimji expressed his delight at hosting the championship, describing it as a reflection of the confidence placed in the country's ability to stage major international sporting events.
'We are delighted to welcome the Men's U19 Asia Cup to Oman. Hosting a prestigious continental tournament of this stature reflects the confidence placed in Oman Cricket and our ability to deliver international sporting events.
'We look forward to providing an excellent experience for all participating teams and officials to enjoy the cricket and the beauty of Oman, with its scenic landscapes and nature adventures. With free entry to all matches, we invite cricket fans, families and the wider community to come forward, support the teams and enjoy the future stars of Asian cricket,' he said.
With eight nations competing over 10 days, the tournament promises exciting action and an opportunity for emerging cricketers to take their first major steps towards international recognition. For Oman, it is another chance to strengthen its profile as an international cricket destination.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
(All matches start at 9am GST)
Nov 5: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia (OCA Ground 2); Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (OCA Ground 1).
Nov 6: Pakistan vs UAE (OCA Ground 2); India vs Nepal (OCA Ground 1).
Nov 7: Afghanistan vs Malaysia (OCA Ground 2); Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (OCA Ground 1).
Nov 8: UAE vs Nepal (OCA Ground 2); India vs Pakistan (OCA Ground 1).
Nov 9: Bangladesh vs Malaysia (OCA Ground 2); Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan (OCA Ground 1).
Nov 10: India vs UAE (OCA Ground 2); Pakistan vs Nepal (OCA Ground 1).
Nov 12: Semifinal 1 – A1 vs B2 (OCA Ground 2); Semifinal 2 – B1 vs A2 (OCA Ground 1).
Nov 14: Final (OCA Ground 2).