Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed has sparked debate within cricket circles after publicly criticizing Babar Azam for crediting Sarfaraz Ahmed following Pakistan’s emphatic triumph in the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan’s young brigade delivered a commanding performance in the final, crushing arch-rivals India by a massive margin of 191 runs to lift the prestigious continental title. The victory triggered a wave of congratulatory messages from former players, analysts, and current stars, who applauded the team’s discipline, planning, and overall execution throughout the tournament.
Among those extending his congratulations was Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam, who is currently in Australia participating in the Big Bash League (BBL) Season 15. Taking to social media platform X, Babar praised the Under-19 squad for their dominant campaign and highlighted the role of team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed in guiding the youngsters.
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“Well done, boys! Lifting the trophy after a stellar campaign and dominating the final. Big credit to Saifi Bhai, whose experience shaped this triumph. Keep the hunger going,” Babar wrote.
However, Babar’s remarks did not resonate well with Tanvir Ahmed, who has often spoken candidly on cricketing matters. Responding directly to Babar’s post, the former pacer expressed disappointment and argued that Sarfaraz Ahmed should not receive primary credit for the team’s success.
According to Tanvir, the foundation of Pakistan’s Under-19 triumph was laid by the coaching staff, including Shahid Anwar, Azhar Ali, and Rao Iftikhar Anjum. He claimed that the technical preparation, player development, and strategic planning were handled by the coaches, rather than the team mentor.
“No credit goes to Sarfaraz Ahmed. All the hard work was done by Shahid Anwar, Azhar Ali, and Rao Iftikhar Anjum,” Tanvir wrote in his response. “I am disappointed that you gave all the credit to Sarfaraz.”
Sarfaraz Ahmed was appointed as team mentor and manager ahead of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025, a move that attracted considerable attention due to his leadership credentials and past achievements against India. While his role primarily involved mentorship and guidance, opinions remain divided over how much influence he had on the team’s tactical and technical growth.
Despite the criticism, Sarfaraz’s association with landmark victories against India continues to define his legacy. He captained Pakistan to the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup title in 2006, defeating India in the final, and later led the senior national team to a historic ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, where Pakistan outclassed India by 180 runs in the final.
The latest controversy highlights ongoing debates in Pakistan cricket regarding credit allocation, leadership roles, and the behind-the-scenes contributors to major victories. As discussions continue, Pakistan’s Under-19 success remains a significant milestone, reflecting the depth of emerging talent in the country’s cricketing system.
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