Pakistan U19 Cricket Team Triumphs Over India Amid Controversy
Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team secured a historic victory against arch-rivals India in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 final held in Dubai on Sunday, with a performance that sparked national celebrations and drew international attention. However, the tournament’s conclusion was overshadowed by accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct from the Indian side.
Sarfaraz Ahmed Criticises India
Sarfaraz Ahmed, mentor of the Pakistan U19 team and former national captain, openly criticised India’s conduct during a press conference in Islamabad. He described the Indian team’s behaviour as “unethical” while emphasising that Pakistan celebrated their victory with sportsmanship.
“India’s behaviour regarding the game was not good, and the Indian team’s conduct in cricket was unethical,” Sarfaraz said. “But we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship, because there should always be sportsmanship in cricket; what India did is their own action.”
Cricketing relations between Pakistan and India have remained tense due to geopolitical issues, and this tension was evident during the Asia Cup matches. In September, Indian player Suryakumar Yadav notably snubbed the customary handshakes with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha and players in all three matches, including the final. This breach of cricketing etiquette attracted global attention and was widely criticised as lacking in sportsmanship and the spirit of the game.
India Refuses Trophy Presentation
Further controversy arose when the Indian team refused to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi after their win against Pakistan in the final by five wickets. Reports indicated that this decision was made under directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Recognition and Rewards for Pakistan Players
In response to Pakistan’s victory, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a celebratory luncheon at the Prime Minister’s Office and announced generous cash rewards for the team and support staff. Each player received Rs10 million, while the support staff was awarded Rs2.5 million.
“You gave the opposition a defeat they could not even imagine. We defeated India in Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” PM Shehbaz said, praising the team for lifting the nation’s pride and winning the hearts of 240 million Pakistanis.
PCB’s Commitment to Player Development
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi credited the players for staying focused throughout the tournament and highlighted the board’s initiatives to develop future talent. He announced plans to build a High-Performance Centre in Lahore, which would provide state-of-the-art facilities and training for upcoming players.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s victory in the U19 Asia Cup not only reinforced their supremacy at the junior level but also sent a strong message in the longstanding cricketing rivalry with India. The combination of exceptional player performances, strong mentorship, and institutional support has positioned Pakistan U19 as a rising force in international cricket.
This win, coupled with ongoing support from national leadership and the PCB, sets a promising stage for future international tournaments and player development programs.
