New Zealand have opted out of the U19 World Cup scheduled to take place next year in the West Indies due to the mandatory quarantine restrictions that the players will have to undergo after they return back from the competition.
The New Zealand side has now been replaced by Scotland in the Group D which also has West Indies, Australia and Sri Lanka. The home side West Indies will play Australia in the opening encounter while the final is slated to take place on February 5.
The defending champions Bangladesh are placed in Group A along with England, Canada and UAE while India who have lifted the trophy four times have South Africa, Ireland and Uganda in their group. Afghanistan, Pakistan, PNG and Zimbabwe have been grouped together.
ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup Groups:
Group A- Bangladesh, England, Canada, United Arab Emirates
Group B- India, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda
Group C- Afghanistan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe
Group D - Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies