The national U19 cricket team has left for United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the captaincy of Qasim Akram to participate in ACC U19 Asia Cup.

The competition will be played from December 23 to 31 at three different venues in UAE. Pakistan are placed with India, UAE and Afghanistan in Group A while Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Kuwait are slotted in Group B.

Pakistan will play the first match on December 23 while they will face arch-rivals India on December 25. They will play the last group match on December 27.

The semi-finals are scheduled for December 30 while the final is scheduled for December 31. India are the defending champions of the event.

The side will leave for the West Indies after completion of the tournament where they will participate in the ICC U19 World Cup.

Head coach Ijaz Ahmed spoke to Express News before leaving for the competition.

"The team consists of best available players, performers have been selected from the domestic cricket and before departure, we have played seven practice matches," Ijaz said.

"We are traveling with great preparation and will try to meet expectations," he added.