Lahore Blues has won the Men’s National Under-19 Cup 2025-26, defeating Rawalpindi in the final by a comfortable margin of seven wickets. It was after 12 years that a Lahore team secured the coveted title. Ali Hassan Baloch, the proud captain of the victorious team, also received two individual awards: Tournament’s best batter and tournament’s best player. He finished as the tournament’s top-scorer. In eight innings, with three centuries and two fifties, the left-hand batter accumulated 610 runs at an average of 75.38 with an excellent strike rate of almost 100. He displayed an astonishing ability to clear the ropes. His tally of 33 sixes was more than twice that of any other batter. Additionally, with his right arm off breaks, Ali also captured eight wickets at an economical rate of 21.33. It has been a long journey
In South Asia, cricket attracts almost every child in his, and now her, early years.
-”I can’t recall. Father tells me I was not even four when I first played with him at home. “
His father, Hassan Baloch, saw something special in the kid. -”Just seven, I was enrolled at the Aleem Dar Cricket Academy. Ashraf Ali, brother of test cricketer Azhar Ali, was my coach, and I learnt a lot from him for about four years. When Azhar Ali started his academy, Ashraf Ali moved there. I joined Azhar Ali Academy, and have been with them till today. The boys of Azhar Ali Academy appear for the Young Model Town Club in the local tournaments.”
Lahore selection came early.
“I played for the Lahore U-13 in 2018 in the National U-19 Cup. Next year, in the same tournament, I was appearing for the Central Punjab U-13 (as for a few years, the provincial teams replaced the regional sides). In January 2020, I was called for the PCB’s U-13 Pakistan camp for skills improvement.”
Next was the U-16 circuit
“Here too, I made two appearances in the U-16 Nationals: In 2022, for the Punjab Central Whites and in 2023, for the Lahore region.”
Finally, the highest age group competition in Pakistan. “In the 2023 U-19 National Cup, I was the vice captain of the Lahore region, and we finished runner-up. Pakistan’s former international Mujahid Jamshed was the team coach.
I had performed well and was among the 30 who attended the final camp for the Asia Cup.”
Ali didn’t make the 2023 national team, but after his outstanding showing at the 2025 U-19 National Cup, his selection is a foregone conclusion. He is reportedly doing very well in the preparatory camp in Multan for the impending international tournaments: Under-19 Asia Cup (in November/December) and Under-19 World Cup (in January).
It is not only the competitions. Ali has attended several high-profile camps.
“Engro Corporation, in partnership with the PCB, launched the 100 Star Pathway Engro Camp. 100 top performers in the under-13, under-16, and under-19 age groups were selected in this talent development program for junior cricketers in Pakistan. It ran for three years (2022 - 2024). I was called for all three camps: twice in the Under-16 category, and in 2024, the U-19. Recently, I attended the PCB Skills Development Camp U-19.”
Lately, he has successfully transitioned to the senior level.
“In 2023-24, as a 17-year-old, I played for Eshaal Associates in Grade 2 cricket (President’s Trophy). I only got to play one match, but I managed to score 22 runs.”
This season, he has come of age. In six Grade 2 matches for Sabroso. Ali’s display was comparable to his performance in the National U-19 Cup, scoring 445 runs at an average of 55.
“The experience was amazing - I learned a lot playing alongside senior and experienced players. It helped me understand the game better and grow as a player. The confidence gained contributed to my success later in the U-19 Cup.”
Education is the priority in almost all households in this part of the world. More so, in his home - the mother is the coordinator in one of the most prestigious private school chains.
Ali hasn’t disappointed.
“I did my early schooling at Lahore Grammar School. Then I joined Crescent Model School, which has excellent sports facilities: grounds, swimming pools and courts. Quite a few prominent sportsmen have emerged from here, including tennis star Aisamul Haq, test cricketer Sami Aslam and one of the most exciting forwards on the international hockey scene Hannan Shahid, who captained the Pakistan junior team at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup. At the same time, the school doesn’t compromise on education. I stayed at Crescent Model School for two years and played for the school team. Here, I must mention the school coach, Nadeem Zafar, who polished my game.
Later, I received a scholarship at Beaconhouse through the Pathway Program under PCB, and completed my O Levels. After that, I joined GC University on a sports scholarship, but had to discontinue since managing matches and written exams together became difficult. I’ve recently completed my BTEC program, which is assignment-based and equivalent to Intermediate/A-Level. Combining cricket and education has been stressful at times, but also fulfilling.
About his favourite cricketers
“Being a leftie, I idolize Brian Lara and Adam Gilchrist. Among today’s batsmen, I admire Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.”
Several superstars of today came into the international limelight at the U-19 World Cups: Joe Root, Virat Kohli, Kagiso Rabada, Travis Head, Babar Azam, Shakibul Hassan, Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, to name a few.
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