ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain and Pakistan Under-19 team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed has openly criticised India’s conduct during the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 final, describing it as “unethical,” while applauding his young squad for delivering a historic and commanding performance in the tournament’s title clash.
Pakistan Under-19s produced one of the most dominant displays in the competition’s history, successfully defending a mammoth total of 348 runs. The young men in green dismantled India’s batting lineup for just 156 runs in 26.2 overs, securing a resounding 191-run victory and clinching their maiden ACC U19 Asia Cup title.
Speaking to the media upon the team’s return to Pakistan, Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed disappointment over India’s on-field conduct during the high-pressure final.
“India’s behavior regarding the game was not good, and their conduct was unethical,” Sarfaraz stated. “However, we chose to celebrate our victory with dignity and sportsmanship. Cricket demands respect, and we focused on our values rather than responding to negativity.”
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Sarfaraz, who famously led Pakistan to Champions Trophy glory in 2017, emphasized that the young players displayed maturity beyond their years by letting their performance do the talking. He praised the team’s discipline, unity, and mental strength throughout the tournament.
The former captain also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a generous cash reward in recognition of the team’s historic achievement.
“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs10 million for each player. These boys have a bright future ahead and will continue to make the nation proud,” Sarfaraz said.
On the field, Pakistan’s batting effort was anchored by a sensational knock from Sameer Minhas, who top-scored with a breathtaking 172 off 113 balls. Middle-order batter Ahmed Hussain also played a crucial role, scoring a composed 56 off 72 deliveries to stabilize the innings after early pressure.
“Ahmed Hussain’s innings was just as important as Sameer Minhas’ century,” Sarfaraz noted. “It was a collective batting effort that laid the foundation for this historic win.”
Pakistan Under-19 head coach Shahid Anwar highlighted the long-term planning behind the team’s success. He revealed that the selection process began on June 17 through an extensive talent hunt involving nearly seventy players.
“Each player was given four matches to prove himself before being shortlisted for the final camp,” Anwar explained. The selected squad then underwent a ten-day high-intensity training camp in Karachi, where former international cricketers provided technical and mental guidance.
“Our mission was clear — to win the trophy and win the hearts of cricket fans,” Anwar said. “The boys stayed focused, disciplined, and committed to the goal.”
Pakistan’s emphatic triumph not only secured silverware but also reinforced the country’s growing strength at the junior level, offering a promising glimpse into the future of Pakistan cricket.
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