Saturday 31 / October / 2026
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 now prepares to provide the stage for the next generation of talent, with an eagerly awaited India-Pakistan showdown on November 8 as it hosts the continental 2026 edition from November 5-14.
The DP World ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2026 brings 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 will feature India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.
While Oman will be playing host rather than competing for the continental crown, the tournament offers an important opportunity for the country to showcase its cricketing infrastructure and organisational capabilities while welcoming some of Asia's most promising young players.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups. India, Pakistan, Nepal and UAE form Group A, while Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
The competition will be played in the 50-over format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals on November 12. The final is scheduled for November 14.
A major attraction will undoubtedly be the India-Pakistan encounter on November 8. Defending champions Pakistan, led by Farhan Yousuf, will begin their title defence against UAE on November 6 before taking on their traditional rivals in what promises to be one of the tournament's biggest attractions.
India's squad also carries an interesting family connection, with Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, sons of former India batting greats Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid respectively, earning places in the squad.
Both youngsters will be looking to make their own mark rather than simply carry the weight of their famous surnames. India will be led by Lakshya Raichandani.
In a major boost for cricket enthusiasts, Oman Cricket has announced free entry to all matches throughout the tournament, encouraging families, young aspiring cricketers and the wider community to turn out and enjoy the action.
Oman Cricket Chairman Pankaj Khimji expressed delight at the opportunity to host the continental 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, daily double-headers during the group stage and the prospect of witnessing emerging talent take its first major steps towards international recognition, the tournament promises ten exciting days of cricket.
For Asia's emerging cricketers, Oman could provide the backdrop to the start of remarkable careers while for the Sultanate, the tournament is another opportunity to strengthen its profile as a destination for international cricket.
Tournament schedule (All matches start at 9am (Oman time): November 5 – Sri Lanka vs Malaysia (OCA Ground 2), Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (OCA Ground 1); November 6 – Pakistan vs UAE (OCA Ground 2), India vs Nepal (OCA Ground 1); November 7 – Afghanistan vs Malaysia (OCA Ground 2), Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (OCA Ground 1); November 8 – UAE vs Nepal (OCA Ground 2), India vs Pakistan (OCA Ground 1); November 9 – Bangladesh vs Malaysia (OCA Ground 2), Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan (OCA Ground 1); November 10 – India vs UAE (OCA Ground 2), Pakistan vs Nepal (OCA Ground 1); November 12 – Semi-final 1: A1 vs B2 (OCA Ground 2), Semi-final 2: B1 vs A2 (OCA Ground 1); November 14 – Final (OCA Ground 2).
