U19 Asia Cup Final: PCB Raises Concern Over On-Field Behaviour

The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to formally contact the International Cricket Council following what it termed repeated provocation by Indian players during the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup final.

Pakistan’s Under-19 side sealed the Asia Cup Title in commanding fashion, dismantling India by 191 runs at the ICC Academy. The margin told its own story. Pakistan had complete control, discipline, and authority in the final. Yet the aftermath of the final shifted attention away from the scoreboard.

Speaking at a reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the young champions, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board would not ignore what unfolded on the field.

Mohsin Naqvi said Indian players tried to unsettle Pakistan’s youngsters at various stages of the match. He added that cricket and politics must remain separate and confirmed the issue would be raised with the ICC through formal channels.

PCB Chairman Breaks Silence

Naqvi praised the U19 squad for maintaining composure when emotions could easily have spilled over. He pointed out that Pakistan’s response came through cricket, not confrontation.

“The boys stayed focused on the game,” he said. “That is the standard we want to protect.”

Officials present echoed similar thoughts, highlighting that junior tournaments shape habits that carry into senior cricket. Behaviour, they insisted, matters as much as results at this level.

Sarfaraz Calls Out ‘Unethical’ Conduct

Pakistan Under-19 mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed did not mince his words when addressing the gathering.

He described India’s on-field actions as against the spirit of the game and said such conduct had no place in youth cricket. Despite that, Sarfaraz noted, Pakistan’s players chose restraint.

Victory celebrations, he added, remained respectful, with no gestures or retaliation, while Pakistani players just showed relief and pride.

A Statement Win, On and Off the Field

The title capped a flawless campaign by Pakistan U19, who dictated matches from start to finish and never looked rattled under pressure. Officials believe that the balance between performance and discipline is what made this group stand out.

The PCB’s move to approach the ICC signals a broader message: Youth cricket is not a free pass for poor behaviour; standards apply early, and they apply to everyone.

For Pakistan’s young champions, the trophy was earned with bat and ball. Their restraint in tense moments reflected a maturity well beyond their age.