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Explore every ICC U19 World Cup winning captain from 1988-2024, including Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle & more future stars. India leads with 5 titles, Australia 4
Updated:Jan 16, 2026, 02:40 PM IST
ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Winning Captains
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The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup has been the proving ground for future cricket superstars for decades. Since its inception in 1988, many of the players who lifted the trophy went on to achieve international stardom. This gallery explores every captain who guided their national team to U19 glory, showcasing their journey, memorable performances, and the legacy they left behind. From Australia’s early dominance to India’s record-extending triumphs, these leaders have shaped the youth cricket landscape across generations.
1988 – Geoff Parker (Australia)
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Geoff Parker became the first-ever captain to lift the ICC U19 World Cup trophy in 1988, leading Australia to victory over Pakistan in the final. Under his leadership, Australia showcased their youth depth and tactical brilliance, setting the benchmark for future U19 tournaments. This inaugural title laid the foundation for Australia’s continued success in youth cricket, producing players who would later excel on the senior international stage. Parker’s calm leadership and strategic acumen made him a trailblazer in the tournament’s history.
1998 – Chris Gayle (West Indies)
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Chris Gayle, who would later become one of cricket’s most explosive and entertaining batsmen, captained the West Indies to U19 glory in 1998. Facing New Zealand in the final, Gayle led from the front, combining aggressive batting with inspirational leadership. This victory not only highlighted the Caribbean’s rich cricketing talent but also marked the emergence of a player whose career would redefine power-hitting in international cricket. The 1998 triumph remains a landmark moment in West Indies youth cricket history.
2000 – Mohammad Kaif (India)
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In 2000, Mohammad Kaif led India to its first U19 World Cup title, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. Known for his brilliant fielding and dependable middle-order batting, Kaif’s calm leadership helped India navigate high-pressure situations with poise. This victory was a major milestone for Indian youth cricket, inspiring a new generation of cricketers and signaling the rise of India as a consistent force in U19 tournaments. Kaif’s tactical awareness and team-first approach set the tone for India’s future U19 captains.
2002 – Cameron White (Australia)
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Cameron White captained Australia to its second U19 World Cup title in 2002, overcoming a strong South African side in the final. White’s leadership was marked by composure and strategic thinking, helping Australia reclaim dominance at the youth level. The team’s performance showcased the depth of Australia’s cricketing structure, producing future stars for the senior national team. White’s captaincy combined aggressive batting with calculated decision-making, cementing his place in U19 history.
2004 – Khalid Latif (Pakistan)
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Khalid Latif led Pakistan to its first ICC U19 World Cup triumph in 2004, beating the West Indies in a closely contested final. Known for his elegant strokeplay and steady temperament, Latif guided a young Pakistani squad through challenging matches with composure. This victory signaled the arrival of a new era in Pakistan youth cricket, producing several players who would eventually graduate to the senior national team. Latif’s leadership emphasized teamwork and resilience, hallmarks of Pakistan’s cricketing identity.
2006 – Sarfaraz Ahmed (Pakistan)
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Sarfaraz Ahmed captained Pakistan to back-to-back U19 World Cup success in 2006, defeating India in a thrilling final. His leadership showcased tactical intelligence and the ability to inspire young teammates in high-pressure situations. Known later as the senior national team captain, Sarfaraz’s U19 victory highlighted his aptitude for captaincy from an early age. This triumph reinforced Pakistan’s strong youth cricket program and left an enduring legacy in the country’s cricketing narrative.
2008 – Virat Kohli (India)
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Virat Kohli’s leadership in 2008 marked the start of an iconic journey. Captaining India to U19 World Cup victory over South Africa, Kohli displayed aggressive batting, sharp fielding, and inspirational leadership. This tournament was a springboard for Kohli’s illustrious senior career, laying the foundation for his captaincy style and batting dominance. His ability to motivate his teammates and perform under pressure earned him recognition as one of India’s brightest cricketing prospects.
2010 – Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
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Mitchell Marsh led Australia to its third U19 World Cup title in 2010, overcoming a resilient Pakistani team in the final. Marsh’s all-round abilities, combining medium-pace bowling with dynamic batting, provided the team with versatility. His leadership emphasized balance and strategic acumen, preparing him for future challenges in senior cricket. Australia’s success under Marsh underscored the country’s robust youth development system and continued dominance in U19 tournaments.
2012 – Unmukt Chand (India)
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In 2012, Unmukt Chand captained India to a memorable victory over Australia in the Townsville final. Chand’s composed leadership and match-winning batting were central to India’s triumph. This historic win highlighted his ability to handle pressure in critical moments and cemented his reputation as a clutch performer. The tournament also reinforced India’s strength at nurturing talented youth players capable of succeeding on the global stage.
2014 – Aiden Markram (South Africa)
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Aiden Markram led South Africa to its first-ever U19 World Cup title in 2014, defeating Pakistan in the final. Markram’s leadership combined calm decision-making with strategic field placements, enabling South Africa to excel in pressure situations. This victory was a historic milestone, showcasing the emergence of South African youth cricket on the world stage. Markram’s success at U19 level foreshadowed a promising senior international career.
2016 – Shimron Hetmyer (West Indies)
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Shimron Hetmyer captained the West Indies to U19 glory in 2016, leading his team to victory over India in the final. Known for his aggressive batting style, Hetmyer brought Caribbean flair to the tournament, inspiring teammates with his fearless approach. This triumph reaffirmed West Indies’ ability to produce world-class talent and highlighted Hetmyer’s leadership qualities at a young age, setting the stage for his future international career.
2018 – Prithvi Shaw (India)
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Prithvi Shaw led India to a dominant unbeaten U19 World Cup campaign in 2018, culminating in a win over Australia in the final. Shaw’s explosive batting and fearless approach set the tone for India’s young squad. His leadership and ability to perform under pressure showcased his readiness for senior international cricket. The victory marked India’s fourth U19 title, further strengthening the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in youth cricket.
2020 – Akbar Ali (Bangladesh)
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Akbar Ali captained Bangladesh to their historic maiden U19 World Cup victory in 2020, defeating India in the final. This triumph was a landmark moment for Bangladeshi cricket, highlighting the rise of the nation’s youth development programs. Akbar Ali’s calm leadership and tactical awareness inspired his team, creating one of the most celebrated victories in Bangladesh’s cricketing history. The win brought global attention to the country’s emerging talent pool.
2022 – Yash Dhull (India)
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Yash Dhull led India to yet another U19 World Cup triumph in 2022, defeating England in the final. His composed captaincy and ability to guide the team through tough situations demonstrated his maturity and leadership skills. Dhull’s success extended India’s record number of U19 titles to five, further establishing India as a dominant force in youth cricket and continuing the legacy of previous champions like Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw.
2024 – Hugh Weibgen (Australia)
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Hugh Weibgen captained Australia to the U19 World Cup title in 2024, overcoming India in the final. Weibgen’s strategic leadership, combined with his individual performances, helped Australia reclaim U19 supremacy. The win reflected Australia’s continued excellence in developing young cricket talent and reinforced the strength of their youth programs, ensuring a pipeline of players ready to excel at the senior international level.
U19 World Cup Titles by Country
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India – 5 Titles
Australia – 4 Titles
Pakistan – 2 Titles
West Indies – 2 Titles
South Africa – 1 Title
Bangladesh – 1 Title
