PCB cries foul after U-19 Asia Cup final against India – here’s what triggered it

Pakistan clinched the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 title with a dominant victory over India in the final, riding on a historic century from Sameer Minhas. While the on-field contest ended decisively in Pakistan’s favour, post-match tensions have spilled beyond the boundary lines, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) escalating concerns over player conduct.

Also Read: BCCI orders review of India’s U19 Asia Cup campaign after crushing loss to Pakistan

Pakistan posted a massive 347/8 in the final and then bowled India out for 156 in just 26.2 overs to seal a crushing 191-run win. The triumph marked Pakistan’s first Under-19 Asia Cup title in 13 years and only their second in the tournament’s history.

However, the final was not without friction. Pakistan Under-19 head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed raised concerns over what he described as provocative behavior from Indian players during the match. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has since said that the matter will be formally taken up with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Speaking at a reception hosted by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to honor the Under-19 team, Naqvi confirmed the PCB’s intent to lodge a complaint. “Indian players kept provoking Pakistani players during the Under-19 Asia Cup final,” Naqvi told reporters. “Pakistan will formally inform the ICC about the incident. Politics and sports should always be kept separate.”

Sarfaraz echoed similar sentiments, stating that India’s conduct went against the spirit of the game. “India’s behavior during the match was not appropriate and was against the spirit of cricket,” Sarfaraz said. “Despite that, we celebrated our victory with sportsmanship. Cricket should always be played in the right spirit. What India did reflects their own actions.”

The incident has drawn attention in the context of recent India–Pakistan encounters, with tensions not limited to junior cricket. During the men’s senior Asia Cup 2025, players from both sides including Haris Rauf and Suryakumar Yadav were reprimanded by the ICC for breaching the Code of Conduct.

Comments are closed.