ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 cricket team advisor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has broken his silence on India’s conduct during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, describing it as “unethical” and lacking in sportsmanship.
The boys in green put on a dominant all-round display in the final, bowling India out for 156 in 26.2 overs while chasing a mammoth target of 348 to record a 191-run win.
Speaking at a media conference, Sarbaras commented on India’s conduct during the final.
“India’s behavior in sports is not good, Indian team’s behavior in cricket is unethical. But we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship because in cricket there should always be sportsmanship; what India did was their own doing,” Sarfaraz said.
The 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash prize of Rs 10 million for each team member in recognition of their historic achievement – the country’s first ACC U19 title.
“The Prime Minister has announced a prize of Rs 10 million for each player and in future, these young players will make the country proud,” he added.
The wicket keeper praised the young team for their outstanding performance in the final and highlighted the recognition they received during the meeting with the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif praised the soldiers during the meeting. “The National Under-19 Cricket Team displayed excellent cricket and the players and coaching staff worked tirelessly to achieve this victory.”
The former Pakistan captain praised middle-order batsman Ahmed Hussain for his 56 off 72 balls that included three fours and a six.
Samir Minhas scored 172 runs off 113 balls with 17 fours and 9 sixes.
“Ahmad Hussain’s innings is as important as Sameer Minhas’ innings,” said Sarbaraz Ahmed.
Head coach Shahid Anwar echoed Sarfaraz’s praise and outlined the preparation that paved the way for the team’s success.
“From June 17, we started a talent hunt with seventy players and conducted tests to identify the best prospects,” Anwar explained. “Each player was given four matches to prove themselves and the best performers were invited to the final camp.”
The final ten-day camp in Karachi was attended by former cricketers who helped polish the skills of the young team.
“Our goal for leaving the country was clear: to win the trophy and, more importantly, win the hearts of cricket fans,” Anwar added.
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