The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the fixtures for the upcoming Men’s ODI World Cup in U-19 cricket 2026, which will begin on January 15 and run for the next three weeks. 16 teams have been divided into groups of four in the first stage, as 41 games will be played in the event over 23 days.

Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, expressed that he was looking forward eagerly to the competition, which will see the future stars of world cricket being on display.

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“The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long been the cradle of greatness, a tournament that reveals not just the next generation of cricketers, but the next generation of icons. From Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill, the event has consistently shaped the future of our sport.” Shah expressed.

India to face Bangladesh in their opening Men’s U-19 ODI World Cup 2026

Harare Sports Club (Harare, Zimbabwe), Takashinga Sports Club (Harare), Queens Sports Club (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe), Namibia Cricket Ground (Windhoek, Namibia), and HP Oval (Windhoek) will host the competition.

“We are especially pleased to welcome Tanzania as they make their debut and join a truly global field of teams. I extend my warmest wishes to all participating squads as they embark on this remarkable journey, representing their countries with pride and promise."

ICC Men’s U-19 ODI World Cup 2026 schedule

Abhishek Sharma recently shared what head coach Rahul Dravid told the India team before their U-19 World Cup quarter final against Bangladesh in 2018. Known for his calm demeanor, Dravid surprised everyone by telling the players to go all out in the knockout match.

The 23 year old mentioned that India had previously lost to Bangladesh in the U-19 Asia Cup before the World Cup. Dravid advised the team not to back down if the Bangladeshi players abused them in the quarter final.

Speaking on the YouTube channel Second Innings with Manjot Kalra, Abhishek said:

“We had lost to Bangladesh in the U-19 Asia Cup. When we faced them again in the World Cup, Rahul Dravid told us that if they abuse, you also give it back. Nobody expected him to say something like this. We were all very pumped up for that match.”

India won the 2018 U-19 World Cup quarter final against Bangladesh by 131 runs, successfully defending a 265 run total. Abhishek Sharma scored 50 runs off 49 balls and took two wickets in the match.

The Prithvi Shaw led India U-19 team went on to defeat Pakistan in the semi final and Australia in the final to win the trophy.

Abhishek Sharma’s Stunning Century

Last month, a video of Abhishek Sharma hitting a 25 ball century in a club match in Gurugram went viral. The left handed batter smashed 14 sixes, scoring 103 runs off just 26 balls.

Speaking about the game, he said that he hadn’t brought his kit bag and had to ask someone to bring it after the opposing team set a daunting 250 run target in a 20 over match.

“A lot of people had gathered there once they got to know that we were playing. It was a weekend, so there was a big crowd. They had given us a target of 260. I told my friend that people have gathered, and it doesn’t matter if we win or not, but they should get entertainment. I did not open in that match because I hadn’t even carried my kit bag. So, I called for my kit bag and then went to bat at No. 3 or No. 4.”

Abhishek Sharma’s century helped his team chase down the target with 11 balls to spare and four wickets in hand.