India, Pakistan kept in separate groups as schedule for Under-19 Cricket World Cup announced

Dubai: The schedule for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup has been released, and notably, India and Pakistan have been placed in separate groups, ensuring they won’t meet in the tournament’s initial phase. This move reportedly follows the senior teams’ three high-drama clashes during the Asia Cup in Dubai, which generated significant on- and off-field controversy.

The 16th edition of the tournament will be held in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, 2026, with the final set for Harare Sports Club. Sixteen teams will compete, divided into four groups of four, with 41 matches to be played across 23 days.

Five-time champions India are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, the USA, and New Zealand. Pakistan find themselves in Group B with hosts Zimbabwe, England, and Scotland. Teams will begin arriving on January 8, with warm-up matches scheduled from January 9 to 14.

The opening day will feature India vs. USA, Zimbabwe vs. Scotland, and Tanzania making their historic tournament debut against the West Indies. Matches will be staged across five venues: Harare Sports Club, Takashinga Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Zimbabwe, as well as Namibia Cricket Ground and HP Oval Namibia.

The tournament format includes a group stage, a Super Six round, semi-finals, and the final. Defending champions Australia will begin their campaign against Ireland on the second day in Windhoek. A much-anticipated early clash between India and Bangladesh is scheduled for January 17 in Bulawayo.

Ten teams earned automatic qualification based on their 2024 performances and joined hosts Zimbabwe. The remaining five secured their places through regional qualifiers, underscoring the expanding global reach of the U19 pathway.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming edition, noting that the event has long been a launchpad for future cricketing greats — from Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill. He highlighted the 2026 tournament as a world-class platform that mirrors the intensity of senior international cricket, celebrating the debut of Tanzania and wishing all teams success as they embark on their journey.

Group A: India, Bangladesh, USA, New Zealand

Group B: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England, Scotland

Group C: Australia, Ireland, Japan, Sri Lanka

Group D: Tanzania, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa

January 15: USA v India, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo; Zimbabwe v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare; Tanzania v West Indies, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 16: Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare; Australia v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek; Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 17: India v Bangladesh, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo; Japan v Sri Lanka, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 18: New Zealand v USA, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo; England v Zimbabwe, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare; West Indies v Afghanistan, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 19: Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare; Sri Lanka v Ireland, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek; South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 20: Bangladesh v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo; Australia v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 21: England v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare; Afghanistan v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 22: Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare; Ireland v Japan, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek; West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 23: Bangladesh v USA, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare; Sri Lanka v Australia, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 24: India v New Zealand, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo; A4 v D4, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 25: Super Six A1 v D3, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek; Super Six D2 v A3, HP Oval, Windhoek

January 26: B4 v C4, Harare Sports Club, Harare; Super Six C1 v B2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo; Super Six D1 v A2, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek

January 27: Super Six C2 v B3, Harare Sports Club, Harare; Super Six C3 v B1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 28: Super Six, A1 v D2, Harare Sports Club, Harare

January 29: Super Six D3 v A2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 30: Super Six D1 v A3, Harare Sports Club, Harare; Super Six B3 v C1, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

January 31: Super Six B2 v C3, Harare Sports Club, Harare

February 1: Super Six B1 v C2, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

February 3: First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

February 4: Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

February 6: Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare