Sarfaraz slams India’s ‘immoral’ behavior after U19 Asia Cup defeat

Pakistan Under-19 cricket team mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has slammed India’s behavior during the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 final, calling it “immoral” and against the spirit of the game, while praising his side for responding with professionalism and sportsmanship.

Pakistan produced a commanding total in the final, defending a mammoth target of 348 runs and bowling India out for 156 in 26.2 overs to clinch their maiden ACC U19 Asia Cup title with a resounding 191-run win at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Speaking at a media conference in Islamabad after the triumph, Sarfaraz did not hold back while referring to India’s on-field behavior during the blockbuster clash.

“India’s behavior during the game was not good and their behavior was unethical,” Sarfaraz said. “However, we celebrated the win in a sportsmanlike spirit because cricket should always be played in the right spirit. What India did is their own doing.”

The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy winner also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a substantial cash reward to honor the young champions.

“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs 10 million for each player and in future, these young cricketers will make the country proud,” Sarfaraz added.

After their historic success, the Pakistan Under-19 team received a hero’s welcome in Islamabad. On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a dinner in their honor, personally congratulating the players and management on their momentous achievement. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and several federal ministers were also present, underscoring the significance of Pakistan’s triumph on the continental stage.

Sarfaraz praised the team’s collective effort in the final, singling out the key contributions that laid the foundation for the massive total. While Sameer Minhas stole the limelight with his breathtaking 172-ball knock with 17 fours and nine sixes, Sarfaraz highlighted the importance of Ahmed Hussain’s middle-order batting line-up.

“Ahmed Hussain’s knock was as important as Sameer Minhas’ innings,” Sarfaraz said, referring to Ahmed’s 56 off 72 deliveries, which included three fours and a six, and helped Pakistan maintain momentum in the middle overs.

Head coach Shahid Anwar echoed Sarfaraz’s sentiments and shed light on the extensive preparation that underpinned Pakistan’s dominant campaign at the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025.

“We started a talent hunt on June 17, with almost seventy players participating in trials,” Anwar explained. “Each player was given four matches to prove himself. Those who performed consistently were invited to the final camp.”

The latest ten-day training camp, held in Karachi, saw the participation of former cricketers from Pakistan who worked closely with the team to hone their skills and build mental toughness.

“When we left Pakistan, our goal was clear,” Anwar added. “We wanted to win the trophy and also the hearts of the cricket fans—and I think we did both.”

The emphatic win over arch-rivals India not only secured Pakistan’s maiden ACC Men’s Under-19 title in the Asia Cup, but also boosted the country’s growing strength at junior level. With a blend of fearless batting, disciplined bowling and strong leadership off the field, Pakistan’s young cricketers have set a strong marker for the future of Pakistan cricket.