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ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018 (Pre-Tournament Discussion Thread)

UN talkz

UN talkz

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Defending champion West Indies will open its campaign against host New Zealand in next year’s ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup, the schedule for which was announced on Thursday.

The West Indies will play the inaugural Group A day-night fixture at Bay Oval in Tauranga on the opening day of the event which runs from 13 January – 3 February featuring 16 teams across seven venues in four cities – Christchurch, Queenstown, Tauranga and Whangarei.

The 10 Test playing nations (prior to Afghanistan and Ireland’s recent inclusion) gained automatic qualification to the event along with the best finishing associate from the last edition, Namibia. They are joined by five regional qualifiers in the biennial tournament that showcases future stars every two years. Past alumni of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup include current captains Steve Smith (Australia), Virat Kohli (India), Kane Williamson (New Zealand) and Sarfraz Ahmed (Pakistan).

The other teams in Group A are 2012 champion South Africa and Africa qualifier Kenya while three-time champions India and Australia are clubbed together in Group B along with Zimbabwe and East Asia Pacific qualifier Papua New Guinea.

Bangladesh, Canada, England and Namibia comprise Group C while two-time champion Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Asia qualifier Afghanistan and Europe qualifier Ireland form Group D in what is the 11th edition of the tournament and the third to be held in New Zealand.

The top two sides from each group will advance to the Super League while the remaining eight teams will figure in the plate championship. The quarterfinals, semifinals and final of the Super League will be among the 20 matches to be broadcast live. The final will be played at Bay Oval in Tauranga on 3 February while both semifinals will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on 29 and 30 January.

The plate tournament will run simultaneously but end with the final at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch on 28 January.

Entry to the grounds will be free for the ICC U19 World Cup giving cricket fans in New Zealand a superb opportunity to see tomorrow’s stars today. The event will replicate a major ICC tournament in terms of organization and playing facilities giving players their first taste of competing on the global stage.

ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley: "The ICC U19 World Cup plays an important role in the progression of young talent onto the global stage. The list of past and current players who had their first taste of a major event at this tournament is a long one and I have no doubt we'll be witnessing some of tomorrow’s stars in New Zealand next year."

Tournament Director Brendan Bourke: “This will be the most accessible international event ever staged throughout New Zealand, with free entry to all games, so we look forward to opening the gates to our match venues in a little under five months’ time.”

The captains of the teams coming through the Qualifiers are looking forward to the tournament, which is a stepping stone in the development of all participants – players and match officials.

Afghanistan captain Naveen-ul-Haq: “The aim is the same as that of any cricketing nation - this dream of winning the World Cup. For us it is also the same, to go out there and play some positive cricket and lift the trophy for the country.

Canada captain Abraash Khan: “We have the skill and the strong mental belief that we can upset any full-member nation on a given day. As any other team, we set ourselves on the goal of hopefully winning the World Cup and proving that Canada is another up and coming massive cricketing nation.”

Ireland captain Harry Tector: “The guys are obviously delighted to be going to the U19 World Cup. It is a great stage to showcase their talents and we hope we can go to New Zealand and show how good a team we are.”

Kenya captain Sachin Budhia: “It’s definitely a great opportunity for us to participate in the ICC U19 World Cup. We would like first to finish as the top associate team in the 2018 ICC U19 World Cup, but more importantly, not look too far ahead but take each game, one at a time.”

Papua New Guinea captain Vagi Karaho: “It is a really big opportunity for us to play in the World Cup. The qualifying tournament has been a learning curve for us, our pathway to the World Cup. We have achieved that and are proud of it.”

Teams will get to tune up for the main event with practice matches from 8-11 January.
 
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I have noticed that just one or two players from an U-19 team makes it to the senior team. Most others fall by the wayside.
 
all Pakistan players of CT squad except may be fakhar and hafeez have played u19 worldcups...obviously not all can make it to national team
 
squarecut said:
I have noticed that just one or two players from an U-19 team makes it to the senior team. Most others fall by the wayside.
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Erm because international arena has only a handful of players who play for quite a long while?

But let's look at some players from Pakistan, most of them played in under 19. I know Sarfaraz won a trophy as captain.

From BD shakib Tamim Mushy played U-19 too
 
U-19 Indian team that won the world cup in 2009 had two Kohlis- Virat Kohli and Taruvar Kohli. While Virat Kohli made it to Indian team, other Kohli is nowhere. The other members of that u-19 team are also nowhere. Very few of them are in first class cricket.

Next batches that played in subsequent U-19 world cups have failed to make it to the senior team till now.
 
squarecut said:
I have noticed that just one or two players from an U-19 team makes it to the senior team. Most others fall by the wayside.
Click to expand...

Isn't that obvious? Think logically - only 11 players make a team, may be 20 in squad over 2 years period. Now, a cricketer's career is at least 20 years, often the national player plays for a decade, U19 WC happens every 2 years & hardly any player makes it twice.

By numbers, it's hardly possible that more that 2/3 from one tournament should make the national team. A national squad has players aging between 19 to 38 that's about 10 U19 WC's period. Take any random team, most of the players have played in some U19 WC.

I believe, every BD player playing in 2017, in any format has played U19 WC and that's more or less same for all teams, apart from few late bloomers like Fakhar, Ashwin, Azhar Ali...
 
India had quite a few..

Kohli , Jadeja, Yuvraj Singh, Md Kaif, Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma, Dhawan, Suresh Raina, R P Singh, Robin Uthappa , Piyush Chawla, Pujara, Manish Pandey . KL rahul,
 
Damn Group D is the group of death for sure. Any of Pak, SL or AFG could qualify. Not to mention we should have best handle of conditions being only European side in the group.

Cant wait though, Ireland have picked a very young team which is a sign the academy is starting to churn out more talented cricketers than before. Think around 9 of the squad at the qualifier are eligible for the next tourney.

Hope game vs Pak is televised
 
squarecut said:
U-19 Indian team that won the world cup in 2009 had two Kohlis- Virat Kohli and Taruvar Kohli. While Virat Kohli made it to Indian team, other Kohli is nowhere. The other members of that u-19 team are also nowhere. Very few of them are in first class cricket.

Next batches that played in subsequent U-19 world cups have failed to make it to the senior team till now.
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Jadeja and pandey were in the team in kohli year
 
Pak will at the very least make the semi's. After that we will never here of those players again. Time to return to your villages and to kheti bari;-)
 
Don't know how they have come up to this, but the groupings are not fair. Last 2 champs WI, SAF & host Kiwis in same group doesn't make sense. Group B & C is way easier.
 
squarecut said:
U-19 Indian team that won the world cup in 2009 had two Kohlis- Virat Kohli and Taruvar Kohli. While Virat Kohli made it to Indian team, other Kohli is nowhere. The other members of that u-19 team are also nowhere. Very few of them are in first class cricket.

Next batches that played in subsequent U-19 world cups have failed to make it to the senior team till now.
Click to expand...

The Indian players in the current squad who have played in the U-19 are KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav.

And I can see at least Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson in the senior team in future.
 
gani999 said:
The Indian players in the current squad who have played in the U-19 are KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav.

And I can see at least Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson in the senior team in future.
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Dhawan played in 2004 world cup.
Jadeja in 2006.
So more than half the team played u-19.
 
With 100 days to go for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018, the International Cricket Council today announced New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson as the event ambassador for the 16-team tournament that will bring together the world’s future cricket stars.

The 12th edition of the tournament and the third in New Zealand, which will run from 13 January to 3 February across four cities and seven venues, is a platform to inspire the next generation of cricketers and fans.

This was highlighted by Anderson, who played in the U19 World Cups of 2008 (in Malaysia) and 2010 (in New Zealand).

Corey Anderson: “It is extremely exciting to be involved again in the U19 World Cup. I played two of them - it is the first stepping stone to playing international cricket. You go from playing domestic cricket to playing international cricket – it’s a big step but it’s a step that is necessary.

“To have it in our backyard is great. We are going to see players who people may not know now but who in the years to come will become household names. In 2010, it was my first snippet of playing international cricket at home.”

Anderson, who scored 324 runs in 10 matches with four half-centuries across the two editions of the tournament, has been representing New Zealand regularly in all three formats of the game. The 26-year-old all-rounder made his international debut in 2012 and to date has scored 683 runs and bagged 16 wickets in 13 Tests, accumulated 1109 runs and grabbed 60 wickets in 49 ODIs, and has 432 runs and 14 wickets in 29 T20Is.

The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, which replicates a major tournament experience in terms of organisation, playing facilities and media attention, is an important event in ICC’s events calendar and is seen as a stepping stone in the development of all participants – players and match officials.

Defending champion West Indies will open its campaign against host New Zealand.

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley: “Having Corey on board is ideal because he a player who has come through this very system and hails from New Zealand. The ICC U19 World Cup is an extremely important event for us and our investment in it has been proven worthy time and again with so many top players first catching the world’s attention here.”

Present Test captains Virat Kohli of India, Steve Smith of Australia, Joe Root of England, Kane Williamson of New Zealand, Sarfraz Ahmed of Pakistan and Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka have all figured in past ICC U19 World Cups.

In fact, Sarfraz’s and Kohli’s leadership abilities were first witnessed in this tournament as they led their sides to victory in the 2006 (Sri Lanka) and 2008 (Malaysia) editions, respectively. Smith, Williamson and Chandimal played in 2008, while Root participated in the 2010 tournament in New Zealand.

Some of the former stars to have graduated from the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup include Brian Lara (Windies), Michael Atherton (England), Michael Clarke (Australia), Virender Sehwag (India), Graeme Smith (South Africa) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan), while other current players to emerge from this tournament include Quinton de Kock and AB De Villiers (South Africa), Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka), Kuldeep Yadav (India), Babar Azam (Pakistan), Josh Hazlewood (Australia), Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Alastair Cook (England) and Rashid Khan (Afghanistan).

Tournament Director Brendan Bourke: “The unique thing with these sorts of events is that superstars may be born, but it’s not until a year or two later that they make a name for themselves on the international stage. New Zealand is ready, and we are looking forward to hosting a successful tournament early next year.”

The 10 Test playing sides (prior to Afghanistan and Ireland’s recent inclusion) along with Namibia (best finishing non-Test playing side from the 2016 event in Bangladesh) have gained automatic qualification to the 2018 tournament. The 11 sides have been joined by five regional qualifiers - Kenya (Africa), Canada (Americas), Papua New Guinea (East Asia Pacific), Afghanistan (Asia) and Ireland (Europe).

Defending champions, the Windies, New Zealand, South Africa and Kenya make up Group A, three-time champions Australia and India, PNG and Zimbabwe are in Group B, Bangladesh, Canada, England and Namibia comprise Group C while two-time champions Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Ireland are in Group D.

The top two sides from each group will advance to the Super League while the remaining eight teams will figure in the Plate Championship. The final will be played at Bay Oval in Tauranga on 3 February while both semifinals will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on 29 and 30 January.

The quarterfinals, semifinals and final of the Super League will be among the 20 matches to be broadcast live,

The plate tournament will run concurrently but end with the final at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Christchurch on 28 January.

Entry to the grounds will be free, giving cricket fans in New Zealand a superb opportunity to see tomorrow’s stars today.

Australia staged the first tournament in 1986 and then again in 2012, while the other countries to host the tournament are South Africa (1998), Sri Lanka (2000 and 2006), New Zealand (2002 and 2010), Bangladesh (2004 and 2016), Sri Lanka (2006), Malaysia (2008), New Zealand (2010) and the UAE (2014).

Australia and India have both won the tournament three times each, Pakistan have won it two times, while the Windies, South Africa and England have won it once each.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/488273
 
The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018 was today launched in Wellington with 44 days to go for the 16-team event that brings together future stars who will compete across four cities and seven venues in New Zealand from 13 January to 3 February.

The function was attended by Hon Grant Robertson, Minister for Sports and Recreation of New Zealand, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White and Event Brand Ambassador Corey Anderson among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Richardson thanked New Zealand Cricket for hosting the tournament for the third time and extolled the importance of the U19 Cricket World Cup in grooming players from around the world.

Mr Richardson: “The ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup is special for so many reasons. It gives players an unrivaled experience of global events, a real flavor of international cricket at senior level and a glimpse into what life as one of the world’s best is really like.

“This event plays an important role in developing the participating teenagers into international professionals, teaching them invaluable lessons in comradery, discipline, leadership, playing under pressure and of course in the spirit of the game.

“A host of past and present stars have come through the U19s since its inception in 1988. The fact that a number of current captains including your very own Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, Sarfraz Ahmed, Dinesh Chandimal and Eoin Morgan have all played in the event demonstrates the calibre of cricket we have come to expect at this event.”

New Zealand all-rounder Anderson remembered how the tournament helped shape his career.

Mr. Anderson: “It is an honour for me to be associated with this tournament as its Brand Ambassador. I played in two U19 World Cups – in 2008 and 2010 – and can’t forget the experience of playing with the upcoming best from around the world.

“I was lucky to have figured in the tournament along with players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root, all of who have gone on to lead their respective sides in world cricket. The tournament provides players with many learnings which hold them in good stead as they develop into top-class cricketers.”

Details of the Trophy Tour for the tournament were also revealed during the event, which was attended by current players from the New Zealand and the Windies sides, who are due to play in the first match of their two-Test series at Wellington’s Basin Reserve from Friday.

The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour will commence in Wellington on 1 December and after several school and club visits to create awareness about the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup and to drive attendances, will culminate in Lincoln on 13 December.

Entry is free for all matches of the 22-day tournament, which will give cricket fans in New Zealand an opportunity to see tomorrow’s stars today.

The Windies are the defending champions of the tournament, which is widely acknowledged as a platform to inspire the next generation of cricketers and fans.

Australia and India have been most successful in the tournament, winning the title three times each. Pakistan are the only side to have defended the title when they emerged victorious in the 2004 and 2006 editions while England and South Africa are the other teams to have won the tournament.
 
ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: Mumbai's Prithvi Shaw appointed India captain for showpiece event in New Zealand

New Delhi: Promising Mumbai batsman Prithvi Shaw will lead a 16-member Indian team in next year's ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, the BCCI said on Sunday.

"The All-India Junior Selection Committee has picked the India U19 team for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018. The 16 -team event will be held in New Zealand from 13th January to 3rd February 2018," BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said in a release.

Last edition's runners-up India have won the U-19 World Cup title thrice in 2000, 2008 and 2012. India lost in the final against the West Indies in Bangladesh last year.

India are the joint-most successful team in the history of the tournament along with Australia (1988, 2002 & 2010).

As part of India's preparation for the coveted tournament, a camp will be held in Bengaluru starting on Friday.

"A preparatory camp will be held in Bengaluru from 8-22 December, 2017," Choudhary said.

"Mumbai's Shaw and Bengal's Porel have been permitted to join their respective Ranji Trophy sides for the quarter-final stage and will join the camp on 12th December."

The India U-19 team:

Prithvi Shaw (Captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Manjot Kalra, Himanshu Rana, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Aryan Juyal (wicket-keeper), Harvik Desai (wicket-keeper), Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ishan Porel, Arshdeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Shiva Singh, Pankaj Yadav.

The list of standby players: Om Bhosle, Rahul Chahar, Ninad Rathva, Urvil Patel and Aditya Thakare.

http://www.firstpost.com/firstcrick...r-showpiece-event-in-new-zealand-4239919.html
 
squarecut said:
U-19 Indian team that won the world cup in 2009 had two Kohlis- Virat Kohli and Taruvar Kohli. While Virat Kohli made it to Indian team, other Kohli is nowhere. The other members of that u-19 team are also nowhere. Very few of them are in first class cricket.

Next batches that played in subsequent U-19 world cups have failed to make it to the senior team till now.
Click to expand...

Skill level is very different....much higher in First class cricket. Some of them U-19 dont even get into the best clubs of the city.

However, I had a chance to play with couple of U19 players from 2002 or 04 in USA couple of years ago...some of them dont even average 10 runs in First class cricket but are legends in the USA club circuit in their mid30s. I also had a chance to see Tapas Bhaishya in Boston this summer....dude is a failed international cricketer for bangladesh but man....it was delight watching him bowl. some of best players in my club had a tough time even defending him. We got to know the difference in level of cricket first hand and suddenly had so much respect for even people who get ridiculed like Vinay kumar. And also realized how quick is 125 to 130 for club cricketers....cant even imagine more than that.
 
The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018 is almost here, with fans across seven spectacular venues in New Zealand set to witness the future stars battle it out for top honours. The tournament, which has been the stepping stone for many international stars over the years, will see 16 countries play 48 matches to crown the next champion.

David Richardson, the International Cricket Council’s chief executive officer, was confident that like always, young guns would again put up a great show.

"In the 2008 U19 CWC, Virat Kohli led the Indian team with such passion, it was something we hadn't seen before from an Under-19 team," he remembered. "In that same tournament, Kane Williamson was there from the New Zealand team. There are so many names you can think of who have played at this event over the years and are now doing so well in international cricket. Joe Root and Jos Buttler from England, Corey Anderson, who is also the ambassador for this version of the event, Jason Holder, and so many more to mention. It has proved to be a stepping stone for many of the future stars."

This will be the 12th edition of the tournament, the first having been played back in 1988. Australia and India have clinched the title thrice each, while Pakistan has lifted the trophy twice. England, South Africa and the Windies have emerged triumphant once apiece.

"I think what the U19 CWC does is two things,” said Richardson. “There are not many cricketers who start off playing without the dream of playing international cricket. And what the Under-19 World Cup does is it realises that dream for teenaged cricketers, who are keen on their cricket.

"But more than that, hopefully they are not striving to just get the kit and the cap. It does prove to be a very effective stepping stone for the development of international cricketers. They get the opportunity to mix with the best, to experience firsthand what it is like to play in an international global tournament. They learn all about corruption, doping and all those kind of things to make sure that when they eventually make it to the big stage, they are well equipped and well aware."

The 48 matches will be played across seven venues – the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, the Lincoln Green and the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the John Davies Oval in Queenstown, the Cobham Oval in Whangarei and the Rangiora Recreation Ground in Rangiora.

The 48 matches will be played across seven venues, including the picturesque Bay Oval. The 48 matches will be played across seven venues, including the picturesque Bay Oval.
"This is the third time New Zealand are hosting the event, and they have fantastic facilities for the youngsters,” Richardson acknowledged. “At the Under-19 level, the tournaments are a lot more open. You are not quite sure exactly about the strength of the teams. But obviously, New Zealand, as the home team, would be one of the favourites. But West Indies were very strong last time. I'm sure they are hoping to repeat their success. But Pakistan, or even some of the smaller teams, often spring some surprises.

"I think Nepal is a very good incentive for the smaller nations. They have done exceptionally well in the Under-19 events of the past. The likes of Afghanistan, who did very well in the recent U19 Asia Cup, can also do very well against some of the more favoured teams."

Richardson promised a fantastic tournament, one that will ensure fans in New Zealand take away great memories from.

"New Zealand is very famous for its All Black Rugby team, but come summer time, cricket takes the stage here," he pointed out. "The fans will hopefully be looking forward to this event. Entry will be free, and hopefully they will come out and support all the teams. I think all the participating teams can look forward to a well-run tournament, great facilities and enthusiastic support."

The ICC U19 CWC will run for three weeks, between January 13 and February 3.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/530442
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The U19 captains of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka got together in Colombo today ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19CWC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19CWC</a> next month!<br><br>Which of the four are you backing to go far at the tournament? <a href="https://t.co/odUrrP6Zku">pic.twitter.com/odUrrP6Zku</a></p>— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/937606780108115969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
hadi123 said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The U19 captains of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka got together in Colombo today ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U19CWC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U19CWC</a> next month!<br><br>Which of the four are you backing to go far at the tournament? <a href="https://t.co/odUrrP6Zku">pic.twitter.com/odUrrP6Zku</a></p>— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/937606780108115969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Do you know the names if all the captains?
 
Bangladesh announce squad for U19 World Cup

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup which is set to begin on January 13, 2018 in New Zealand.

In a press conference, attended by coach Damien Wright and four of the junior selectors, the squad for the World Cup was announced.

Shakhawat Hossain, who was part of the squad during the recently concluded Asia Cup in Malaysia did not make the squad for the U19 World Cup. Tipu Sultan, who recently became the highest wicket taker in first division has been added in his place. There are no other changes to the setup from the U19 Asia Cup.

The squad will depart for New Zealand on December 26 and begin their preperations for the January 13 tournament. The young Tigers will play three matches against provincial teams before they take on Afghanistan and Pakistan in two ICC official practice matches.

The Bangladesh squad setup included seven batsman, two wicket-keeper’s, who can also bat, four paceman and two spinners.

Coach Damien Wright was happy with the squad the selectors put up. “I am really confident with the group we have assembled.”

Bangladesh U19 had some concerns in the batting department, especially after home series against Afghanistan and Nepal. Wright suggested that the players are among the runs and that is a positive.

“I think we are in a fantastic place (with our batting). So the batting side of things is nowhere near my concern now.”

Saif Hassan, who captained the team in the Asia Cup is going to lead the young Tigers in the World Cup.

Squad: Pinak Ghosh, Md Naim Sheikh, Mohammed Saif Hassan(capt.), Afif Hossain Dhrubo(vice capt.), Md, Towhid Ridoy, Aminul Islam Biplob, Md Rakib, Mahidul Islam(wk), Shakil Hossain(wk), Robiul Haque, Nayeem Hasan, Qazi Anik Islam, Md Roni Hossen, Hasan Mahmud, Tipu Sultan.

Standby players: Md Sozib Hossen, Rayan Rafsan Rahman, Mohammed Shakhawat Hossain, Md, Saidul Islam Pramanik, Yeasin Arafat, Md. Abdul Halim, Md. Monirul Islam

http://www.thedailystar.net/sports/...esh-announce-squad-u19-world-cup-2018-1501021
 
Zakir & Shanto should have been picked. For WCs only, they should pick the best available/eligible players. Rest squad is fine.
 
I feel that India will easily win this WC since they have a very strong squad and many guys have got First class experience as well with their Captain being a first class giant.... but would to see a team like Afg,Ire to win it
 
UN talkz said:
I feel that India will easily win this WC since they have a very strong squad and many guys have got First class experience as well with their Captain being a first class giant.... but would to see a team like Afg,Ire to win it
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The fight is between Ind vs BD amongst asians
 
I guess Afgan Bros will win this time around. They have a monstrous team. Mujeeb alone will be enough
 
DQcT6j2VoAAKvL7.jpg
 
Kamindu Mendis leads SL-19 in World Cup

Batting all rounder from Richmond College Galle, Kamindu Mendis will lead the Sri Lanka Under-19 team at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018 to be played in New Zealand from 13 January to 3 February.
Kamindu Mendis will become the second player from the College to lead the U-19 side in World Cup, after his senior player Charith Asalanka captained the side in the previous edition.

All rounder from St. Joseph's College Colombo, Jehan Daniel, has been appointed the Vice Captain, while Vishwa Fernando and Ayana Siriwardana will be standbys.
Sri Lanka did not have much success in the U-19 Asia Cup as they were out from the group stage with a poor show in their third match.

Sri Lanka's first match of the tournament will be against Ireland on 13 January followed by Asia Cup Champions, Afghanistan on 17 and Pakistan on 19.

Island's strategy leading up to and during the Asia Cup under-19 tournament came under much criticism as they did not have enough outdoor training leading up to the tournament due to rain with coach Roy Dias having to stick to training indoors ignoring selectors advice to travel to Dambulla or Hambantota for training.
Also during the tournament they changed their earlier strategies by changing the opening bowlers and opening batsmen while resting key bowlers and regular wicket-keeper for the third One day match in the group stage which resulted in them losing the semi-final spot.

Sri Lanka youngsters will be eyeing to rectify their mistakes when they travel to New Zealand but the alien conditions there will not help their cause as in Asia.

Squad : 1. Kamindu Mendis (Captain), 2. Jehan Daniel, 3. Hasitha Boyagoda, 4. Thisaru Rashmika Dilshan, 5. Krishan Sanjula, 6. Kalana Perera, 7. Dhananjaya Lakshan, 8. Praveen Jayawickrama, 9. Nuwanidu Fernando, 10. Ashen Bandara, 11. Hareen Buddhika, 12. Nipun Malinga, 13. Nipun Dananjaya, 14. Nishan Madushaka, 15. Santush Gunathilika

http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=35846
 
Read that they are going to ban team (s), for age cheating - how are they going to check that?

I know about bone density test, but that has an accuracy range of almost a year. It's not about how they are going to measure, it's acceptable as long as the method is consistent. Question is, have all the teams agreed on the method? I think, FIFA now uses standardize methods and they actually provide technical support to every nation (participation in final event), to check their squad on FIFA's standard ...... hence, Europeans are now dominating age level football in last couple of years.
 
MMHS said:
Zakir & Shanto should have been picked. For WCs only, they should pick the best available/eligible players. Rest squad is fine.
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Was wondering why Zakir and Nazmul weren't on that list. Both are proving decent enough at Franchise T20 level with 5 overseas, which is miles stronger than U 19 level.

Bit surprising to see only Afif and Qazi Onik from the BPL brigade in this lineup.
 
CricketAnalyst said:
Was wondering why Zakir and Nazmul weren't on that list. Both are proving decent enough at Franchise T20 level with 5 overseas, which is miles stronger than U 19 level.

Bit surprising to see only Afif and Qazi Onik from the BPL brigade in this lineup.
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Probably, they are not sure about age now :)
 
Harry Brook of Yorkshire has been appointed captain of a 15-man England squad for the ICC Under-19s World Cup in New Zealand which starts next month.

The squad includes four players from Middlesex – Savin Perera, Luke Hollman, Ethan Bamber and wicketkeeper Jack Davies; three from Somerset – Tom Lammonby, Fin Trenouth and another wicketkeeper, Tom Banton; and two each from Glamorgan (Prem Sisodiya and Roman Walker) and Worcestershire (Dillon Pennington and Adam Finch).

Warwickshire opener Liam Banks, Surrey all-rounder Will Jacks and Hampshire all-rounder Tom Scriven complete the 15.

“The players have shown with their performances in the Tri-Series in South Africa over the last couple of weeks that they can travel with plenty of optimism,” said David Graveney, a member of the Under-19s selection panel with John Abrahams and Jon Lewis, who will be head coach for the World Cup.

“We have really benefited from the flexibility permitted by selecting a number of over-age players for the Super-4s competition for the country’s outstanding Under-17s this summer, which allowed a couple of Under-18s such as Savin Perera and Fin Trenouth to put in the performances that have led to their selection in the World Cup squad.

“This is an exciting opportunity for them, and for the rest of the squad – to travel to New Zealand, and to test themselves against the outstanding players from other countries in this age group.

“It’s also worth congratulating Middlesex, Somerset, Worcestershire and Glamorgan, who contribute the majority of the squad, as a reward for the quality of their Academies.”

Lewis, the former England seamer who is now assistant coach at Sussex and currently working with the Lions in Australia, said: “I’ve been receiving regular reports of the team’s progress in South Africa from Richard Dawson and the other coaches, and I’m really looking forward to joining the squad ahead of the World Cup.”

Lewis will be assisted by Jonathan Trott as batting coach, Neil Killeen as fast bowling coach, and Chris Taylor as fielding coach – his last tournament as the ECB’s fielding lead before joining Surrey.

David Parsons, the ECB’s Performance Director, said: “Thanks are due to Richard Dawson and to James Taylor for the work they have done on what has been a successful and enjoyable Tri-Series in South Africa for the Under-19s, creating a platform for what will hopefully be an even more successful World Cup campaign.

“Chris Taylor has been a key figure in providing specialist fielding support to the players on the Men’s Pathway and the England team over the past decade and we wish him luck in his new role at Surrey.

“We will now begin the process of appointing both a new fielding lead and permanent Head Coach to the Young Lions programme and hope to have both in place after the Under 19 World Cup.”

Squad: Harry Brook (Yorkshire, captain), Ethan Bamber (Middlesex), Liam Banks (Warwickshire), Tom Banton (Somerset, wk), Jack Davies (Middlesex, wk), Adam Finch (Worcestershire), Luke Hollman (Middlesex), Will Jacks (Surrey), Tom Lammonby (Somerset), Dillon Pennington (Worcestershire), Savin Perera (Middlesex), Prem Sisodiya (Glamorgan), Tom Scriven (Hampshire), Fin Trenouth (Somerset), Roman Walker (Glamorgan).
 
Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday, announced the 15-strong Coca-Cola South Africa under-19s squad to take part in the 12th edition of the ICC U19 World Cup in New Zealand from 13 January to 03 February 2018. The team will be captained by Free State’s Raynard van Tonder, who will lead the side for his third major tour.

Other exciting selections include opening batsman Matthew Breetzke, who has already made his franchise debut for the Warriors and was the leading run scorer for the aspiring Proteas with 238 runs in their recently concluded Youth One-Day triangular series against England and Namibia in Potchefstroom. Gauteng’s Wandile Makwetu also cracked a nod for the second time and is the only player selected in the team with previous World Cup experience. The wicket-keeper/batsman was a part of the Bangladesh tournament in 2016.

In the bowling department, 17-year-old Thando Ntini looks set to follow in his father, former Proteas fast bowler, Makhaya Ntini’s footsteps. The youngster has impressed selectors over the last 12 months and earned his spot to appear in youth cricket’s biggest event.

“Congratulations to all the players who will be representing our country in New Zealand. We wish them everything of the best in the knowledge that they will represent us well and maintain the standards set by their predecessors,” commented CSA Acting CEO, Thabang Moroe. “I also extend best wishes to our head coach, Lawrence Mahatlane, and his management team who I know will leave no stone unturned to ensuring our squad is well prepared.

“When you look at this group of young players with their diverse backgrounds you see confirmation that development, transformation and excellence are all linked together in providing a very exciting future in fulfilling our vision of being a truly national sport of world-class standards,” concluded Mr. Moroe.

The U19 World Cup which is held every two years, will see 16 teams face off for a chance to claim the 2018 honours. South Africa, under the captaincy of recently capped Proteas Test opening batsman, Aiden Markram won the 2014 edition of the competition. Players born on or after 1 September 1998 are eligible to participate.

South Africa will make up Group A with the hosts, New Zealand, defending champions West Indies and Kenya. Group B comprises Australia, India, PNG and Zimbabwe; Group C includes Bangladesh, Canada, England and Namibia and Group D rounds off with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Ireland.

Team coach, Lawrence Mahatlane is confident that the selectors have made the right choices and is excited by the collective experience of the team, he said:

“It’s definitely one of the most exciting times in these kids’ lives and careers and it’s a thoroughly deserved honour that they receive today. This is the culmination of the last 24 months’ hard work and they have certainly put in the hours and effort to be named in this World Cup squad.

“I’m very excited as a coach to take this group to New Zealand, they are massively talented with the potential for even greater things and I’m confident that we have chosen the combination that will give us the desired results. More than half of the squad have semi-professional cricket experience and we even have a franchise player in Matthew Breetzke. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the semi-pro coaches who bought into our vision for this team and for allowing these players space in their teams to help them prepare for what’s to come in less than a month now.

“I’d like to convey my own congratulations to this team of incredible youngsters, who have played a lot of cricket so soon after writing exams, whether at school or university and done so with a lot of focus. We look forward to going the World Cup and making the country proud.”

According to the event format, the top two sides from each group will advance to the Super League while the remaining eight teams will figure in the Plate Championship. The preliminary round matches will be followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, plus the play-offs.

Michelle Cloete, Coca-Cola South Africa’s Marketing Manager said;

“Coca-Cola Africa is a longstanding supporter of the development of South Africa’s next cricket heroes through our sponsorship of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week, Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge and the Coca-Cola SA U19 team. I would like to congratulate every player selected for the Coca-Cola SA U19 squad to represent South Africa at the 2018 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. For many of them, this is just the beginning of a long, illustrious career in international cricket.”


Coca-Cola South Africa Under-19s ICC World Cup squad:

Raynard van Tonder (capt, Free State), Matthew Breetzke (Eastern Province), Jean du Plessis (South Western Districts), Jason Niemand (Border), Gerald Coetzee (Free State), Jade de Klerk (Eastern Province), Fraser Jones (KZN Inland), Wandile Makwetu (Gauteng), Andile Mogakane (KZN Coastal), Kgaudise Molefe (Gauteng), Thando Ntini (Western Province), Jiveshen Pillay (Northerns), Hermann Rolfes (Northerns), Kenan Smith (Eastern Province), Akhona Mnyaka (Border).

Management:

Lawrence Mahatlane (Head Coach), Wandile Gwavu (Assistant Coach), Chris van Noordwyk (Assistant Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Kyle Southgate (Performance Analyst), Lizahn Naude (Physiotherapist), Sipokazi Sokanyile (Media Liaison), Runeshan Moodley (Fitness Trainer), Robin Peterson (Technical Consultant), Maurice Aronstam (Mental Conditioning Coach).
 
ammar_merry said:
all Pakistan players of CT squad except may be fakhar and hafeez have played u19 worldcups...obviously not all can make it to national team
Click to expand...

Link please? I don't recall Fakhar or Hafeez ever playing. Hafeez was before my time probably.
 
ammar_merry said:
all Pakistan players of CT squad except may be fakhar and hafeez have played u19 worldcups...obviously not all can make it to national team
Click to expand...

Hasan Ali, Haris, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar, Hafeez, Faheem Ashraf, Rumman Raees didnt play the u-19 wc. Thats almost half the team.
 
SarfiBabarHaris said:
Hasan Ali, Haris, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar, Hafeez, Faheem Ashraf, Rumman Raees didnt play the u-19 wc. Thats almost half the team.
Click to expand...

That gives an alarming indication.

If you look at these players (add Shinwari as well), apart from Raees, rest all have learned/spent their U19 days in smaller towns - Sialkot, Peshwar, Sargoga, Multan ...... they didn't make much of U19 team, but later made PAK National team. Not every U19 player is expected to make National team for obvious reason - a players career is over 15 years, that's 7/8 U19 WC time and 100+ U19 players, only few of them should make highest level). But, one should expect that almost every National player should represent at least one U19 WC. It's not happening in PAK for players outside 2/3 major cities - WHICH indicates, at U19 level, probably there is mass corruption in selection.
 
MMHS said:
That gives an alarming indication.

If you look at these players (add Shinwari as well), apart from Raees, rest all have learned/spent their U19 days in smaller towns - Sialkot, Peshwar, Sargoga, Multan ...... they didn't make much of U19 team, but later made PAK National team. Not every U19 player is expected to make National team for obvious reason - a players career is over 15 years, that's 7/8 U19 WC time and 100+ U19 players, only few of them should make highest level). But, one should expect that almost every National player should represent at least one U19 WC. It's not happening in PAK for players outside 2/3 major cities - WHICH indicates, at U19 level, probably there is mass corruption in selection.
Click to expand...

Yes and our 'corrupt' selection won us two WCs and two finals..PCB knows what it's doing...
 
The Indian U19 team looks poor. Their recent horrible performance means that we need not look forward much from the team
 
Australia Under 19s Squad

Jason Sangha (C)* New South Wales
Will Sutherland (VC)* Victoria
Xavier Bartlett* Queensland
Max Bryant* Queensland
Jack Edwards New South Wales
Zak Evans* Victoria
Jarrod Freeman Tasmania
Ryan Hadley New South Wales
Baxter Holt New South Wales
Nathan McSweeney Queensland
Jonathan Merlo Victoria
Lloyd Pope* South Australia
Jason Ralston New South Wales
Param Uppal* New South Wales
Austin Waugh New South Wales
 
giri26 said:
The Indian U19 team looks poor. Their recent horrible performance means that we need not look forward much from the team
Click to expand...

I dont really care whether we win this cup or not, Im only looking forward to Prithvi Saw and Shubam Gill. Those two are in my watch list for future generations of batting talent.
 
Abdullah719 said:
Australia Under 19s Squad

Jason Sangha (C)* New South Wales
Will Sutherland (VC)* Victoria
Xavier Bartlett* Queensland
Max Bryant* Queensland
Jack Edwards New South Wales
Zak Evans* Victoria
Jarrod Freeman Tasmania
Ryan Hadley New South Wales
Baxter Holt New South Wales
Nathan McSweeney Queensland
Jonathan Merlo Victoria
Lloyd Pope* South Australia
Jason Ralston New South Wales
Param Uppal* New South Wales
Austin Waugh New South Wales
Click to expand...
Zak Evans is a quality fast bowler, shares a lot of similarity with Pattinson.

Don’t know how Sutherland got the vice captaincy, his father may have had something to do with it.
 
CanadianG00se said:
I dont really care whether we win this cup or not, Im only looking forward to Prithvi Saw and Shubam Gill. Those two are in my watch list for future generations of batting talent.
Click to expand...

I actually want to see some good bowlers coming through as well. I am sure we will keep producing some good batsmen.
 
giri26 said:
I actually want to see some good bowlers coming through as well. I am sure we will keep producing some good batsmen.
Click to expand...

Mavi, and Nagarkoti and Porel all have potential. Porel was successfully introduced by Bengal to their fc team. Nagarkoti can bat too. Mavi and Nagarkoti out bowled English on their tour there.
 
Professor said:
Weren't they in the finals and knocked your team out?
Click to expand...

Touche :)))

Pakistan had a great team in Asia Cup, but credit of Afghanistan lead by one man who destroyed our batting. But everyday is not a sunday.

IA we will see Pakistan in Final of this cup.
 
https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/568281

Cricket Kenya on Sunday (December 17) announced a 15-member squad for the 2018 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to get underway across seven venues around New Zealand next month.

Kenya is placed in a tough Group A alongside Windies, the defending champions, New Zealand and South Africa.

“I am very excited as a coach to take this group to New Zealand," Jimmy Kamande, the team coach, told The Star. "They are massively talented with the potential for even greater things. I’m confident we have picked a combination that will give us the desired results.”

The players are currently undergoing training at Sikh Union grounds in Nairobi as part of a nine-day camp which includes a number of practice matches.

The squad will fly out to Sydney on December 28, where it will play two friendly matches against Sydney Thunders before moving to Christchurch.

Kenya will play its first match against South Africa at Lincoln Green in Christchurch on January 14, before taking on New Zealand at Hagley Oval on January 17 and Windies on January 20.

The team qualified for the U19 CWC in July, through the ICC Africa Under-19 World Cup qualifiers, which was contested by four teams - Ghana, Botswana, Uganda and Kenya.

Squad: Aman Gandhi, Dennis Musyoka, Aveet Desai, Rene Were, Thomas Ochieng, Sachin Bhudia, Ankit Hirani, Sukhdeep Singh, Jasraj Kundi, Jayant Mepani, Jay Doshi, Maxwel Ager, Gérard Mwendwa, Sidhart Vasudev, Abhishekh Chidambaran; Reserves: Minal Kerai, Viraj Patel.
 
A glance at different international teams gives one a fair idea of the alumni of past ICC U19 Cricket World Cups. Just about every side is led by a player who figured in this tournament even though the focus often is on the trio of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson.

That is because these three played together in the 2008 edition and are now acknowledged as being among the best batsmen of their generation while also leading their national sides astutely. The story though is not much different for other teams, nor have the previous or following U19 CWCs been any less productive.

Smith’s batting averages have been astounding in Test cricket with him being on the top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings for two years, while Kohli has consistently been top-ranked in both shorter versions of the game. Kane Williamson too is a regular in the top charts across formats.

But then Joe Root of England, who played in the 2010 tournament, enjoys a similar status in international cricket while Sarfraz Ahmed (Pakistan), Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka), Jason Holder (Windies) and Graeme Cremer (Zimbabwe) are among the others to have been at the helm.

If Kohli led India to victory in 2008, Sarfraz had done so in the edition preceding it. The Pakistan captain also has the distinction of leading his side to victory in a senior ICC competition, an epic win over favourites India in the 2017 Champions Trophy making it one of the most cherished moments in Pakistan’s history.

Kohli credits the U19 CWC for his development and also remembers his contemporaries from the time, as does Williamson.

India captain Virat Kohli: “The ICC U19 World Cup was a very important milestone in my career. It helped us get a good platform to build on and make our careers from thereon, so it holds a very importance place in my mind and heart. It’s very important to understand and respect the opportunity it provides you and as I said, for me, it holds a very special place in my heart.

“I remember playing against Kane. He was someone who always stood out in the team, his batting ability was very different from the other players who were around. Steve (Smith) I did not quite play against at the U19 level, so I didn’t watch him bat, but he has come a long way in his career as well. It is good to know that so many people from that batch, not just three of us captaining our countries, but apart from that a lot of players have played for their respective countries.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson: “It is a great stepping stone. Playing international cricket within your age group allows players to see slightly higher standards, the best of the best from the under-19 perspective, so (it is) a great tournament to be involved in.

“It is always fascinating as well that a number of guys you play against and play with, to see their progress. Often, when you meet players, you talk about the Under-19 World Cup. Each team had a few guys who are playing international cricket, which is good.

“You don’t get many opportunities to play World Cups, obviously at the top level – it is once every four years, if you are fortunate enough to be involved. So the opportunity to play at the age-group level is a very exciting opportunity and one that should be enjoyed.”

In the past, there have been captains like Brian Lara, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Sanath Jayasuriya, all alumni of the first edition in 1998 and known for their accomplishments as players rather than of captains, all scoring in excess of 10,000 runs in at least in one form of the game.

Michael Clarke (Australia), Michael Atherton (England), Virender Sehwag (India), Brendan McCullum (New Zealand), Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan), Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka), Graeme Smith (South Africa), Chris Gayle (Windies) and Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe) are among the leading players to come through the U19 CWC system.

U19 World Cup players who went on to lead full-member sides:



Australia – Michael Clarke, Cameron White, George Bailey, Steve Smith, Aaron Finch, David Warner

Bangladesh – Rajin Saleh, Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal

England – Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Alastair Cook, Graeme Swann, Eoin Morgan (played in U19 CWC for Ireland but captained England), Joe Root, Jos Butler, James Taylor

India – Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Ireland – William Porterfield, Kevin O’Brien, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.

New Zealand – Lee Germon, Chris Cairns, Brendan McCullum, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Kyle Mills, Tom Latham

Pakistan – Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Razzaq, Salman Butt, Azhar Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed

Sri Lanka – Sanath Jayasuriya, Thilina Kandamby, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perea, Lahiru Thirimanne

South Africa – Graeme Smith, Johan Botha, Hashim Amla, Dean Elgar

Windies – Jimmy Adams, Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Denesh Ramdin, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Ganga, Ridley Jacobs, Sylvester Joseph, Darren Sammy, Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Jason Mohammed, Marlon Samuels

Zimbabwe – Tatenda Taibu, Prosper Utseya, Brendan Taylor, Elton Chigumbura, Hamilton Masakadza, Graeme Cremer
 
ICC Under-19 World Cup SL riddled in controversy before January start Selections, omissions, injuries, protests and delays in releasing team

Sri Lanka under-19 cricket team has been hit with an injury dilemma following the controversial selection saga where SLC is yet to publish the final 15 of the SL squad even when there's only 11 days to go for the start of the ICC under-19 World Cup.

The Under-19 World Cup will get underway on January 3rd in New Zealand and Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara confirmed more than a week ago that he approved the team and sent the letter to SLC along with the protest regarding the omission of Ayana Siriwardana, but SLC is yet to release the team to the media. Siriwardana , the Isipathana skipper led the Sri Lanka Board President's XI in the concluded series in India and his exclusion from the team raised eye brows and his school filed a protest on behalf of him with the Sports Minister prior to approving the team which also took days.

Adding more trouble in the camp skipper Kamindu Mendis returned from the 10 day training camp in Kandy with a calf injury while another key player Sanjula Abeywickrama was hospitalized with fever during the same training adding more trouble to the SL team.

This was after the premier fast bowler Nipun Ranasinghe injured his back prior to Asia Cup during training indoors, ruling him out from the series and he has not yet recovered to be included in the squad.

Sri Lanka under-19 team went to the Asia Cup with high hopes but flopped and were knocked out in the group stage due to calculation mishaps.

It is learnt that the management had assumed that SL were already in the semis after two wins and had rested key fast bowlers and their leading wicket-keeper for the third match which went on to be the end of SL camp hopes in the Asia Cup U-19s.

http://www.ceylontoday.lk/print20170401CT20170630.php?id=36878
 
Many players have represented different countries at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup and in senior international cricket but no one has had a more direct connection to the move than Imran Tahir.



The 38-year-old leg-spinner met his wife Sumayya when he toured South Africa for the U19 Cricket World Cup in 1998 representing Pakistan and went on to settle in that country. He took a circuitous route to South Africa through England and has earned a top-class reputation in limited overs cricket, even ascending to No.1 in the MRF Tyres ICC Player Rankings for both ODIs and T20Is.



Two other prominent contemporary players in this club are Eoin Morgan and Colin de Grandhomme, both of whom played in the 2004 edition in Bangladesh. Morgan is England’s captain in the shorter versions of the game after having also played international cricket for Ireland, while de Grandhomme played for Zimbabwe A before establishing himself in the New Zealand side, recently hitting the second fastest century by a Black Caps batsman against the Windies.



De Grandhomme remembers playing along with leading Zimbabwe cricketers Brendan Taylor, Elton Chigumbara, Craig Ervine and Prosper Utseya and calls his decision a “great move” as “the cricket is getting better” and he has learnt a lot being in New Zealand.



Retired England batsman Jonathan Trott had centuries on first-class and Test debuts but only after playing the U19 CWC for South Africa in 2000. Interestingly, his immediate replacement in the Test side, left-hander Garry Balance, made a similar move from Zimbabwe to England after figuring in the 2006 edition.



New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott’s best moment was probably guiding his team to the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 with a fine knock against South Africa but that came a good 17 years after he had figured for Zimbabwe in the 1998 U19 CWC. If Elliott had moved to New Zealand, former England pace bowler Andy Caddick (1988 U19 CWC) and Netherlands captain Peter Borren (2002 U19 CWC) had moved on from New Zealand.



Left-handed opener Michael Lumb (1998 U19 CWC for South Africa) was born in South Africa but returned to play for England while Tim Murtagh’s (2000 U19 CWC for England) move to Ireland has seen him gain success, recently rising to 21st in the MRF Tyres ICC Player Rankings for ODI Bowlers.



Wicketkeeper-batsman Craig Keiswetter (2006 U19 CWC for South Africa) had an early end to an impressive career due to an injury behind the stumps but was hot property when he broke onto the scene, selected for England within one week of qualifying to play for his adopted country.



Andri Benrenger’s career is interesting because he played for Sri Lanka in the 2010 U19 CWC and for the United Arab Emirates in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.



Logan van Beek, who moved to the Netherlands after representing New Zealand at the 2010 U19 CWC, kind of continued a family tradition - his grandfather Sammy Guillen had played Test cricket for both New Zealand and the Windies!



Players who played U19 CWC for one country and senior international cricket for a different country:



Jonathan Trott (represented South Africa in U19 CWC 2000, moved to England)

Gary Ballance (represented Zimbabwe in U19 CWC 2006, moved to England)

Grant Elliott (represented South Africa in U19 CWC 1998, moved to New Zealand)

Andy Caddick (represented New Zealand in U19 CWC 1988, moved to England)

Peter Borren (represented New Zealand in U19 CWC 2002, moved to Netherlands)

Imran Tahir (represented Pakistan in U19 CWC 1998, moved to South Africa)

Michael Lumb (represented South Africa in U19 CWC 1998, moved to England)

Tim Murtagh (represented England in U19 CWC 2000, moved to Ireland)

Craig Kieswetter (represented South Africa in U19 CWC 2006, moved to England)

Andri Berenger (represented Sri Lanka in U19 CWC 2010, moved to United Arab Emirates)

Logan van Beek (represented New Zealand in U19 CWC 2010, moved to Netherlands)

Eoin Morgan (represented Ireland in U19 CWC 2004, moved to England)

Colin de Grandhomme (represented Zimbabwe in U19 CWC 2004, moved to New Zealand)
 
Many players have represented different countries at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup and in senior international cricket but no one has had a more direct connection to the move than Imran Tahir.

The 38-year-old leg-spinner met his wife Sumayya when he toured South Africa for the U19 Cricket World Cup in 1998 representing Pakistan and went on to settle in that country. He took a circuitous route to South Africa through England and has earned a top-class reputation in limited overs cricket, even ascending to No.1 in the MRF Tyres ICC Player Rankings for both ODIs and T20Is.

Two other prominent contemporary players in this club are Eoin Morgan and Colin de Grandhomme, both of whom played in the 2004 edition in Bangladesh. Morgan is England’s captain in the shorter versions of the game after having also played international cricket for Ireland, while de Grandhomme played for Zimbabwe A before establishing himself in the New Zealand side, recently hitting the second fastest century by a Black Caps batsman against the Windies.

De Grandhomme remembers playing along with leading Zimbabwe cricketers Brendan Taylor, Elton Chigumbara, Craig Ervine and Prosper Utseya and calls his decision a “great move” as “the cricket is getting better” and he has learnt a lot being in New Zealand.

Retired England batsman Jonathan Trott had centuries on first-class and Test debuts but only after playing the U19 CWC for South Africa in 2000. Interestingly, his immediate replacement in the Test side, left-hander Garry Balance, made a similar move from Zimbabwe to England after figuring in the 2006 edition.

New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott’s best moment was probably guiding his team to the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 with a fine knock against South Africa but that came a good 17 years after he had figured for Zimbabwe in the 1998 U19 CWC. If Elliott had moved to New Zealand, former England pace bowler Andy Caddick (1988 U19 CWC) and Netherlands captain Peter Borren (2002 U19 CWC) had moved on from New Zealand.

Left-handed opener Michael Lumb (1998 U19 CWC for South Africa) was born in South Africa but returned to play for England while Tim Murtagh’s (2000 U19 CWC for England) move to Ireland has seen him gain success, recently rising to 21st in the MRF Tyres ICC Player Rankings for ODI Bowlers.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Craig Keiswetter (2006 U19 CWC for South Africa) had an early end to an impressive career due to an injury behind the stumps but was hot property when he broke onto the scene, selected for England within one week of qualifying to play for his adopted country.



Andri Benrenger’s career is interesting because he played for Sri Lanka in the 2010 U19 CWC and for the United Arab Emirates in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

Logan van Beek, who moved to the Netherlands after representing New Zealand at the 2010 U19 CWC, kind of continued a family tradition - his grandfather Sammy Guillen had played Test cricket for both New Zealand and the Windies!

Players who played U19 CWC for one country and senior international cricket for a different country:


Jonathan Trott (represented South Africa in U19 CWC 2000, moved to England)

Gary Ballance (represented Zimbabwe in U19 CWC 2006, moved to England)

Grant Elliott (represented South Africa in U19 CWC 1998, moved to New Zealand)

Andy Caddick (represented New Zealand in U19 CWC 1988, moved to England)

Peter Borren (represented New Zealand in U19 CWC 2002, moved to Netherlands)

Imran Tahir (represented Pakistan in U19 CWC 1998, moved to South Africa)

Michael Lumb (represented South Africa in U19 CWC 1998, moved to England)

Tim Murtagh (represented England in U19 CWC 2000, moved to Ireland)

Craig Kieswetter (represented South Africa in U19 CWC 2006, moved to England)

Andri Berenger (represented Sri Lanka in U19 CWC 2010, moved to United Arab Emirates)

Logan van Beek (represented New Zealand in U19 CWC 2010, moved to Netherlands)

Eoin Morgan (represented Ireland in U19 CWC 2004, moved to England)

Colin de Grandhomme (represented Zimbabwe in U19 CWC 2004, moved to New Zealand)
 
Australia & India has won 3 times each.

Pakistan has won twice, in 2004 & 2006.

While England, South Africa & West Indies has won once each, in 1998 2014 and 2016 respectively.

Current Defending Champion - WEST INDIES
 
Ammad Alam is an opener and he can be bright future for Pak. All eyes on him as well as on Muhammad Taha.
 
STAR CRICKETERS’ SONS LOOK TO SHINE IN U19 CWC


Past U19 Cricket World Cups have seen quite a few sons of international cricketers in action and this time is going to be no different with Austin Waugh and Thando Ntini among those looking to display their potential in a tournament that showcases future stars every two years.

Austin Waugh, the son of former Australia captain Steve Waugh, first burst into public consciousness when he hit an unbeaten 122 in the final of the Under-17 National Championships in 2016 while Makhaya Ntini’s son Thando Ntini grabbed four for 56 on his debut for the South Africa U19 team against the Windies earlier this year.

Waugh, who likens his game to India all-rounder Hardik Pandya and whose favourite cricketer is late Australia batsman Phil Hughes for his “free flowing technique,” wants to make the most of his potential in the tournament from 13 January to 3 February in New Zealand.

Austin Waugh: “I’m aiming to test myself against the best players from around the world. I want to make the most of my potential and see how far it can take me. All three formats attract me as I enjoy testing my skills and being able to adapt from format to format.”

On the other hand, Ntini compares his approach to that of India captain Virat Kohli even though as a player he is much different, being a left-handed batsman and right-arm pace bowler. His cricketing idol is not far from home.

Thando Ntini: “I started playing cricket in the passages of hotels with the Proteas as a three-year-old. My father played, so I followed in his footsteps.”

Giving Waugh company in the Australia squad is Will Sutherland, son of James Sutherland, Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive who represented Victoria in the domestic circuit till 1993-94. Sutherland, who looks up to Shane Watson, has already played List A cricket as an all-rounder. He, like Waugh, was one of Australia’s key performers in a recent series against the Sri Lanka Under-19 team.

Australia had a similar representation in 2012 when Mitchell Marsh, son of Geoff Marsh and younger brother of Shaun Marsh (U19 CWC 2000 and 2002), led Australia to their third title. Also in the side was Alister McDermott, the elder son of renowned pace bowler Craig McDermott. Alister’s younger brother Ben played in the 2014 edition, but he is a wicketkeeper-batsman and not a pace bowler like the other two in the family.

For New Zealand, Lance Cairns’s son Chris Cairns and Brian Hastings’s son Mark Hastings played in the inaugural 1988 edition in Australia while Brendon Bracewell’s son Doug and Rod Latham’s son Tom Latham represented the country in 2010.

The 2000 edition saw the emergence of Yuvraj Singh, son of Yograj Singh, a contemporary of Kapil Dev. Singh was the player of the tournament in 2000 as India won the trophy under Mohammad Kaif, and also went on to be named player of the tournament at the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. In the following edition, Stuart, son of 1983 World Cup star Roger Binny, represented India. Stephen Cook, son of Jimmy Cook who faced the first ball in Test cricket at home for South Africa in 1992 on their readmission, also played in that edition.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul (son of Windies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul), Corbin Bosch (son of South Africa player Tertius Bosch) and Hashen Ramanayake (son of Sri Lanka pace bowler Champaka Ramanayake) all played in the 2014 edition in the United Arab Emirates.
 
The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup provides the experience of playing in a top-level international competition to participants and its importance is felt most by cricketers from the associate sides. Afghanistan and Ireland are now full members, but their players too have found this tournament very useful over the years.

Players from these two countries as well as those from Canada, Kenya, Namibia and Papua New Guinea share their thoughts about the ICC U19 CWC and how it helped shaped their careers. These players went on to play senior cricket and some even had the taste of ICC Cricket World Cups.

Kenya’s Collins Obuya was a prominent player of the side that made the semifinals of the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup while George Dockrell featured in the 2011 edition of the senior tournament. Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan is presently ranked second among bowlers in the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Player Rankings and eighth in the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Player Rankings.

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan (played in 2016): “The U19 World Cup was very important for me because that is the only stage where you can improve yourself. The pressure is like a World Cup, I learnt a lot from that. My best memories were when we beat Zimbabwe and New Zealand. It’s a great opportunity for those nations who don’t play Tests, to show their cricket, to play teams like India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, which are the good sides in U19 World Cup.”

Nitish Kumar, Canada (played in 2010): “Although I believe the talent level at that age is not much different compared to other full member countries, apart from a few players who will probably be playing for their national team in a year or so after the (U19) World Cup, I believe it’s important to test your skills against guys just as good or better to see where you are as a cricketer, and how much more you need to improve.”

George Dockrell, Ireland (played in 2010, led in 2012): “It’s the first real test of playing against the best in the world at your level, it’s important to get into that competition mentality. You have your own games into the group and trying to find a peak within the group and carrying that momentum into the knockout cricket afterwards. It definitely helped me when I broke into the national team and played in the 2011 World Cup, it felt like I had been through that whole World Cup process.”

Collins Obuya, Kenya (played in 2000): “It made me believe in myself and have the desire to play on the big stage. The exposure was fundamental because it prepared me on what to expect in future, if I went on and played in bigger stages. It’s a great exposure for players, especially from associate nations because that’s the first point to gauge their game against Test teams. Most of our players who played in the under-19 World Cup and performed well took those lessons to the national team. The experience at that level goes a long way in building a player.

Gerhard Erasmus, Namibia (played in 2012, led in 2014): “When you get to the under-15 and under-16 stage, then there really is a gap sometimes between men’s cricket and the club and representative cricket you play below. The Under-19 World Cup – having played two of those – showed me where I am and whether I can play.

Mahuru Dai, Papua New Guinea (played in 2002 and 2004): “It was all a learning experience, both on and off the field. Travelling overseas to a new environment and playing against the best cricketers in the world was inspiring for me. It was the best atmosphere that I have ever played in early in my career. The facilities were great both on and off the field with big crowds attending matches in big stadiums.”
 
3 Players to be Looked Closely :

1. Ammad Alam - Opener, Right Hand Batsman
2. Muhammad Taha - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman, and bowls Right Arm Medium Fast
3. Hasan Khan - Captain, All Rounder, Right Hand Batsman, bats at No.6 and bowls Slow Left Arm
 
prop558 said:
3 Players to be Looked Closely :

1. Ammad Alam - Opener, Right Hand Batsman
2. Muhammad Taha - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman, and bowls Right Arm Medium Fast
3. Hasan Khan - Captain, All Rounder, Right Hand Batsman, bats at No.6 and bowls Slow Left Arm
Click to expand...

Taha is a left arm spinner.
 
prop558 said:
3 Players to be Looked Closely :

1. Ammad Alam - Opener, Right Hand Batsman
2. Muhammad Taha - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman, and bowls Right Arm Medium Fast
3. Hasan Khan - Captain, All Rounder, Right Hand Batsman, bats at No.6 and bowls Slow Left Arm
Click to expand...

4. Shaheen Shah Afridi - Left Arm Fast bowler
 
India and Pakistan have traditionally done well in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cups, having reached the final five times each in an event that is acknowledged as a stepping stone in the development of all participants – players and match officials.

Pakistan made the final of the inaugural edition in 1988 and are the only side to have won back-to-back titles when the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side defeated India in the 2006 final to follow up their 2004 victory. Pakistan also made the final in 2010 and 2014. On the other hand, India have won titles in 2000, 2008 and 2012 while also playing the final in 2016 when the Windies won their first title.

Pakistan’s former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is all praise at the opportunity that the U19 CWC provides while the likes of India opener Shikhar Dhawan, Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav and Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim too have fond remembrances from their time at the tournament.

India players reflect on the U19 CWC:

Shikhar Dhawan (played in 2004): “The under-19 Cricket World Cup is a great platform for youngsters as they get an early feel of international cricket. The tournament provides players the opportunity to not just iron out their flaws but also to understand how things pan out in top tournaments.

“I feel this tournament has gained in importance over the years with so many players prospering after doing well in the tournament. Look around and you will see that a number of players in each international side figured in past Under-19 World Cups. I have some great memories from the tournament since I was the leading scorer and player of the tournament in 2004. The tournament helped me gain in confidence and prepare better for senior cricket.”

Ravindra Jadeja (played in 2006 and 2008): “I think everyone appreciates the importance of this tournament, which brings together the best junior cricketers from around the world. It is a great learning ground and helps players comprehend what international cricket is all about.

“For me, this tournament will always remain special since I was part of the team that won it in 2008 under Virat Kohli. Virat has since gone on to become one of the best batsmen of his generation and also a successful captain.

Kuldeep Yadav (played in 2014): “I was wicket-less against Pakistan in the first game…I got a hat-trick against Scotland which was really important for me and for the team as well. Later on I performed well in remaining matches. Now (I also have a hat-trick) against Australia, never dreamed of taking a hat-trick against a side like Australia. I’m now with two hat-tricks – one in the U19 World Cup and one in ODI matches.

“It’s a big stage to represent your country, you will get a lot of publicity. It is obviously important to perform well in the U19 World Cup. Later on you can develop your skills for the future and to play for the senior team. Enjoy, play hard and believe in yourself.”

Pakistan players reflect on the U19 CWC:

Imad Wasim (played in 2006 and 2008): “As a young player it is a great learning curve. To play in front of 10 thousand, 15 thousand people - plus it was live on television - so as a young cricketer it was a great experience, gave me a lot of confidence when I played for Pakistan later on.

“In 2006, we won the Under 19 World Cup and that was the best and biggest memory for us. Under-19 cricket is so important – the confidence takes you into first-class cricket and you keep developing there. We are all friends, there is no rivalry. I played with Virat (Kohli), (Ravindra) Jadeja, (Wayne Parnell), Tim Southee, (Kane) Williamson, (Steve) Smith, they were all in our batch and they were fantastic players.”

Inzamam-ul-Haq (played in 1988): “I’d advise all players in the U19 World Cup to go out, enjoy the tournament and try to do their very best. At the age of 17 or 18, the experiences that you gather are never forgotten. That kind of experience does not come again. Players learn a lot, which can’t be done from any other source.

“My base is the U19 World Cup. We lost in the final in 1998 (to Australia) but got an idea of international cricket. The earlier you get that experience, the better the grooming is. There was a lot to learn for us – Mushtaq (Ahmed), Aaqib (Javed), Shahid Anwar, Zohar Ali, Shakeel Khan, all who went on to play for Pakistan. There were also others who could not play for Pakistan but did very well in domestic cricket.”

Shadab Khan (played in 2016): “All teams have potential international players. If you perform well, lots of doors open for you in your country. Pressure situations come – you are playing against the best from other countries. They are all good, so you have to show your worth. In my first match, I took five wickets in four overs against Afghanistan.

“I feel very nice to meet the (present) Under 19 players. I’ve also gone through this level. My message for players is - don’t take pressure, your skills will help you, don’t worry about the result.”
 
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South Africa and Zimbabwe players have not only found the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup a great training ground but also an opportunity to make friends, as the event, which replicates a major tournament experience in terms of organization and playing facilities, brings together players from different parts of the world.

South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock reminisces the opportunities as a cricketer as well as the chance of developing friendships during the 2012 edition in Australia, as does his team-mate Aiden Markram, who led South Africa to their only title in the following edition in the United Arab Emirates.

For Zimbabwe players Hamilton Masakadza and Stuart Matsikenyeri, the U19 CWC was an opportunity to interact with players from different backgrounds and cultures and also to observe their different approaches and styles of the game.

South Africa players reflect on the U19 CWC:

Quinton de Kock (played in 2012): “The ICC U19 World Cup was the perfect stepping stone for me to launch my international career. The tournament gave me an opportunity to test myself against the pressures and expectations that I would soon face at international level.

“My fondest memories from the tournament are the friendships I made over the course of the tournament. I have come a long way with some of the cricketers that I played with and some of them have even become very good friends of mine. A lot of the players who played in Australia in 2012 have gone on to make their international debuts, which says a lot about the skill and talent there.”

Aiden Markram (led team to victory in 2014): “The tournament taught me to deal with different types of pressures on and off the field. As captain, I was privileged to lead a group of exceptionally talented cricketers towards a common goal, which helped me grow and develop as a leader and as a cricketer. I was able to test my skills against some of the best Under-19 players in the world and that gave me an indication of the areas I needed to improve in my game.

“We were fortunate enough to have some special memories from our World Cup year. We became the first South African team to win a World Cup and that memory is something that I will cherish for many years. Apart from winning the tournament, the opportunity to craft significant friendships with players from other countries was also quite special.”

Zimbabwe players reflect on the U19 CWC:

Hamilton Masakadza (played in 2000, 2002): “It’s important (for a cricketer) all through the levels – under-14, under-16, but under-19 is most important because it is the last stage before you graduate into senior cricket. From the angle of learning different conditions, different cultures and different people it was really good for me. It’s never too early to start making friends and learning more about other people, so they make friends they will meet for the rest of their lives playing cricket for Zimbabwe.”

Stuart Matsikenyeri (played in 2002): “It was a massive experience. You get to play youth internationals at that age, with really good cricketers. You are exposed to players that play a different brand of cricket, they come through a different type of coaching, you obviously learn quite a lot from the different countries that you play – the Asian nations, the English guys.”

Prosper Utseya (played in 2004): “It gives an opportunity to challenge yourself, see where you are as a cricketer. To win against Australia is something that I cannot forget. We also won against New Zealand in 2004. At that age, I did not think I would end up as a national captain but that is where I believe I made my mark – coming through the Under-19 World Cup.”
 
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Bangladesh and Sri Lanka players consider the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup as the best possible opportunity for cricketers to hone their skills as they approach senior-level cricket and advise them to grab every chance at the upcoming edition of the tournament, which showcases future stars every two years.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, who played along with Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, and pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman, whose batch included Mehedi Hasan and Mosaddek Hossain, take pride in their respective sides, which they feel competed well against the best.

Sri Lanka Test captain Dinesh Chandimal considers the U19 CWC a very important step towards the development of an international cricketer while Dimuth Karunaratne feels players can learn important tactics and how to win matches during this tournament.

Bangladesh players reflect on the U19 CWC:

Tamim Iqbal (played in 2006): “I remember England visited us just before the tournament. I think we beat them 5-0 and eventually we got beaten by them in the quarterfinals. That is a memory that I have, which is not a very nice one, but the team that we had during that Under-19 World Cup was probably one of the best that Bangladesh has ever produced.”

“We got all the facilities that the national team was getting in those days and we learnt a lot. My message to players is to play hard, play fair, it’s a fantastic tournament and the best part is that if you do well, the world will know.

Mustafizur Rahman (played in 2014): “Seven of us from the squad of 15 have so far represented the Bangladesh national team. It is always special to find someone from the 2014 Under-19 World Cup alongside me in the Bangladesh team. It means the investment and belief in us is paying off.

“Playing in the tournament possibly allowed me to fit in more comfortably when I made my international debut. My message to players is to be very proud because you are among the best youth players in your country. Play your natural game and enjoy the tournament.”

Sri Lanka players reflect on the U19 CWC:

Dinesh Chandimal (played in 2008): “It’s a really big thing growing up as a player – it’s a really big opportunity for them. It’s the turning point if you are becoming an international cricketer, I think that is the first stage, that is the starting time.

“My memory is of the time I was named man of the match against Australia. I scored only seven runs – I was keeping wickets and took seven catches, had one stumping and one run out. I was surprised that I got man of the match and I think that was the first time a wicketkeeper got the award in such a manner in the Under19 World Cup.”

Dimuth Karunaratne (played in 2006): “When you play the Under-19 World Cup, you learn a lot of things – how you play international cricket, how you play with different countries and in major tournaments. It’s a huge thing in your life and you learn your game-plans, pressure situations, how you win and lose.

“Most of the players who represent their countries play in the Under-19 World Cup. It’s a huge thing for your life – grab your opportunity, don’t think it is just another tournament – it is not easy but take the opportunity with both hands.”
 
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Which games will be on tv? The BCCI games as usual or in this day and time with streams and all we will se more live action?¨

Anyone know`?
 
thelandofthebravepeople said:
Which games will be on tv? The BCCI games as usual or in this day and time with streams and all we will se more live action?¨

Anyone know`?
Click to expand...

According to Sky

- All of Indias games (no surprise).
- The entire Super 8 stage
and the following will be broadcast

- England vs Namibia
- WI vs SA
- England vs Bangladesh
- NZ vs SA
-
Can any PP'ers inform me as to the likelihood of any Pakistani TV station broadcasting for example the Ireland vs Pakistan game? Or is it I suspect not possible as its an ICC event and only certain stations have rights to broadcast games.
 
Donal Cozzie said:
According to Sky

- All of Indias games (no surprise).
- The entire Super 8 stage
and the following will be broadcast

- England vs Namibia
- WI vs SA
- England vs Bangladesh
- NZ vs SA
-
Can any PP'ers inform me as to the likelihood of any Pakistani TV station broadcasting for example the Ireland vs Pakistan game? Or is it I suspect not possible as its an ICC event and only certain stations have rights to broadcast games.
Click to expand...

That's so disappointing.

Thanks for the information.
 
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh recalls the challenges and pressures faced in 2010 when he led Australia to their third ICC U19 Cricket World Cup title while his compatriots George Bailley, Travis Head and Ben Cutting remember their time at the tournament ahead of the 12th edition to be held in New Zealand from 13 January to 3 February.

New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee sees the tournament as an opportunity for players from his country to show their mettle on home turf as the tournament will be held there for the third time, after 2002 and 2010. Tom Blundell sees it as a chance for players to learn the ropes quickly.

Australia players reflect on the U19 CWC:

George Bailley (played in 2002): “We won the tournament so that was one of my first taste of real success within a cricket team. Looking back, I was not sure where cricket was going to take me. That was certainly the start of a journey, but definitely a very enjoyable one. We had a couple of trips with that group or a similar group, I forged some friendships that remain strong till this day.”

Ben Cutting (played in 2006): “It was my first foray into proper cricket. My rise through the ranks was fairly quick from there. Some of the names that we had in the Australian team, I believe only two of them have not played for Australia since then- guys like Moises Henriques, David Warner, Usman Kahawaja - all very, very good players in their own right.

Aaron Finch (played in 2006): “We had the Under 19 World Cup in Sri Lanka, and it was only the second time that I had ever played in the sub-continent. My learnings from that were different ways to play spin. You’re playing against a lot of different countries… we played South Africa on a pretty good wicket, we played against the West Indies on a turning wicket in Colombo, and then to come up against Pakistan in the final who went on to win it, it’s just different ways that guys go about approaching those kind of conditions.”

Travis Head (played in 2012): “It was about how you stack up against the rest of the world, and about playing for your country. Also, around media and televised games, it’s most guys’ first experience of that. Playing and making the final of our World Cup was a great experience in Townsville in front of a home crowd. The boys we had in our squad and the guys we played against, many have now played for their country or played first-class cricket, which shows the class of those players and the standard of the pathway program.”

Mitchell Marsh (led team to victory in 2010): “I think probably the biggest thing I learned is just playing under pressure. At that age, you tend to just play club cricket and play for your state, but playing in a World Cup means a lot for you as a team and also for the country as well - and the future of Australian cricket. You learn to play under all sorts of different pressures, and you’re also playing in foreign conditions around the world as a young player.

New Zealand players reflect on the U19 CWC:

Tom Blundell (played in 2010): “It’s the first taste of international cricket. Under-19 is pretty exciting, it is a fantastic pathway leading forward to higher honours. It’s the next step, coming from club cricket to I guess international cricket as a 19-year-old. Many of the players I played with were first-class cricketers and I was a club cricketer, so you learn pretty quick.

Tim Southee (played in 2006): “It’s a great opportunity, it tests your skills against the best of players in the world at that age, our guys this year are lucky enough to do that in home conditions. Any World Cup in your home conditions is, I guess, something special. We were fortunate enough to play the ICC World Cup in 2015 in New Zealand and now you guys get to do it in the U19 World Cup in your own country. It’s exciting and I’m sure the guys will be following it closely.”
 
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Afghanistan are a capable unit going into the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup and the presence of two cricketers who have already played senior international cricket is one reason for that.

Captain Naveen-ul-Haq and off-spinner Mujeeb Zadran have experience at the top level and will be among the players to watch in the 16-side event. Zadran became the first 21st-century born male cricketer to play international cricket, taking four for 24 on his ODI debut against Ireland in December 2017, the selection coming on the back of an exceptional show in the Asia Cup where he topped the bowling charts with 20 scalps to help Afghanistan clinch the title.

In fact, Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s rising star, was also eligible for this edition. The leg-spinner has this accomplishment already, having made his senior debut in October 2015 before playing in the 2016 U19 CWC. Shabir Noori and Najibullah Zadran, members of the 2012 U19 CWC squads, are two other Afghanistan players in this exclusive club.

Naveen-ul-Haq: “Playing for the senior team in the past will definitely help in the U19 World Cup, especially in terms of handling pressure and being able to play more freely.”

Mujeeb Zadran: “It has been a helpful experience (having played senior international cricket) and will obviously help at the Under-19 level. There is obviously more pressure playing at the senior level but it is also great for gaining experience.”

Apart from the Afghanistan pair, Ireland’s Joshua Little has also played international cricket – having turned out in two T20Is for his side.

Players representing the senior national team before playing in the U19 CWCs is not a new phenomenon. India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani went into the inaugural U19 CWC in Australia in 1988 after creating a Test record of 16 for 136 against the Windies.

Pakistan’s Shakeel Khan also played in that tournament. The others from Pakistan to make similar entries include the youngest Test debutant Hasan Raza (1998 and 2000), Abdul Razzaq (1998) and Imran Nazir (2000). This time, spinner Shadab Khan was eligible for selection as per the age criteria.

Bangladesh’s Ranjan Das made his debut in the country’s inaugural Test match against India in November 2000. Mushfiqur Rahim, who made his debut at Lord’s in 2005 – Bangladesh’s first Test at the venue – is the only Test captain in the list.

Enamul Haque (Junior) – the youngest to take 10 or more wickets in a Test when he returned figures of 12 for 200 against Zimbabwe in 2005 at the age of 18 years and 40 days – made his international debut in October 2003 before playing the 2004 U19 CWC at home.

There are three Canadian players in the list and Hong Kong’s Jamie Atkinson has built a strong reputation for himself. Kenya’s Thomas Odoyo made his debut against India in Cuttack in the 1996 World Cup before figuring in the 1998 U19 CWC.

List of players who made their international (Test, ODI, T20I) debut before playing in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.

Shabir Noori Afghanistan

Najibullah Zadran Afghanistan

Rashid Khan Afghanistan

Malachi Jones Bermuda

Kyle Hodsoll Bermuda

Ruvindu Gunasekera Canada

Hiral Patel Canada

Nikhil Dutta Canada

Jamie Atkinson Hong Kong

Irfan Ahmed Hong Kong

Thomas Odoyo Kenya

Mohammad Sheikh Kenya

Ranjan Das Bangladesh

Enamul Haque (Jr) Bangladesh

Mushfique Rahim Bangladesh

Narendra Hirwani India

Shakeel Khan Pakistan

Hasan Raza Pakistan

Abdul Razzaq Pakistan

Imran Nazir Pakistan
 
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